The authors of this book provide the first review of haptic optical
tweezers, a new technique which brings together force feedback
teleoperation and optical tweezers.
This technique allows users to explore the microworld by sensing and
exerting piconewton-scale forces with trapped microspheres. The design
of optical tweezers for high-quality haptic feedback is challenging,
given the requirements for very high sensitivity and dynamic stability.
The concept, design process and specification of optical tweezers
reviewed throughout this book focus on those intended for haptic
teleoperation. The authors provide two new specific designs as well as
the current state of the art. Furthermore, the remaining important
issues are identified for further developments. Haptic optical tweezers
will soon become an invaluable tool for force feedback micromanipulation
of biological samples and nano- and micro-assembly parts.