Technology news


For the latest technology news from the photonics industry go to www.electrooptics.com/technology


optical tweezers controlled via iPad


Optics researchers from the Universities of Glasgow and Bristol have developed an iPad application for accurate, easy and intuitive use of optical tweezers. Optical tweezers, used to manipulate tiny particles through the use of highly focused laser beams, are an important tool in many molecular biology applications. Control of the lasers used


in optical tweezer systems has often been limited by the functionality of the computer mouse or joystick, making it difficult to manipulate microscopic particles in the range of directions in which researchers would like to manipulate them. The new multi-touch-based application allows researchers a clear representative 3D view of particle systems and offers a range of techniques, like pinching the screen or tilting the iPad, for moving single and multi-particles left and right, up and down, and to rotate them. The researchers comment:


‘Our iPad-based interface allows intuitive control of a holographic optical tweezers system using a dedicated application on the iPad and a modified version of our tweezers’ control software running on a host PC. The interface is responsive and easy to use, so even inexperienced users can trap particles, move them around and translate the microscope stage.’


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Surface sensor developed for use in rough environments


Laser structured strain gauges can be used for exact measurement of forces at critical points, such as for highly stressed tooling machines or complex 3D workpieces. Currently, the Laser Zentrum Hannover (LZH) is developing sensor structures using ultrashort laser pulses, with the goal of making the production of high-quality thin-film strain gauges economically attractive for small and middle-sized batches. Monitoring production for tooling machines,


preventing overloading and lost work time, or controlling fuel injection in diesel motors are just a few examples for important uses of the so-called thin- film strain gauges (TFSG). They can be used for exact and real-time measurement of strain in machines, bearings or motors, at the place where the highest strain occurs. However, these environments call for highly robust sensors, which can withstand large temperature fluctuations as well as mechanical and chemical stresses. Previous sensor solutions have distinct


weaknesses. Often, TFSG foils are attached using adhesives, which can run or ooze and thus distort measurement results. Especially in rough


environments, the long-term stability of these sensors can be greatly impaired. Thus, strain gauges based on thin-film technologies are preferred for applications with special requirements. Photo-lithographic sensor structures are complex, and not cost efficient for small or middle-sized batches. Also, the masking techniques used in electronics production are not suitable for complex workpieces with cylindrical, spherical or free-form areas, and can thus only be used for flat workpieces. The production and system technology department


of the LZH is working on a new solution. The microtechnology group of this department is currently working on developing a laser-structured TFSG. After the workpiece has been coated with an isolation and sensor layer, an ultra short pulse laser with a lateral resolution of 10 to 100µm can be used to structure the sensor, without thermally damaging the sensitive layers.


The advantage of using this process is that


complicated masking processes are not necessary, and the sensors can be directly applied to complex, three-dimensional workpieces.


Excelitas posts performance results for PDE


Excelitas Technologies has has achieved record, world- class performance results for high photon detection efficiency (PDE) and low dark counts in the development and commercialisation of its solid-state silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) technology. SiPMs are an important element


in Excelitas’ low light level detection (L3D) suite of technologies and products targeting the medical and analytical market space. The


ElEctro oPticS l APRIL 2011


results have been published and presented at the ‘CERN Industry- Academia Matching Event on SiPM and Related Technologies’, which took place in Geneva, Switzerland on 16 to 17 February. The event brought together 120 experts in cutting-edge photon detection work.


In 2009, the company entered


into an exclusive agreement with Max Planck Innovation, the technology transfer organisation of the Max Planck Society, for the


licensing of its ultra-fast, low cross- talk SiPM technology. Silicon photomultipliers


offer very high PDE, ultra-short response time, and extremely low power consumption, making them ideal for a variety of low light level applications such as fluorescence and molecular imaging. ‘Excelitas is very pleased to be


able to present these breakthrough technology results on its solid-state SiPM technology,’ said Michael Ersoni, senior vice president.


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