Simultaneous Optical Manipulation, 3-D Tracking, and Imaging of Micro-Objects by Digital Holography in Microfluidics

Recent advancements in the fields of interferometric microscopy and optical trapping are presented. In particular, the possibility to integrate these techniques in microfluidic and lab-on-chip devices is taken into account. We review the latest results concerning the realization of compact platforms to perform accurate measurements and particle trapping. In this framework, we present the performance of a novel and compact holographic microscope that can ensure multifunctionality accomplishing, at the same time and by the same configuration, 3-D tracking, optical manipulation, and quantitative phase-contrast analysis. Experimental results obtained on in vitro cells in microfluidic devices are presented. The system is based on twin laser beams coming from a single laser source. Through this simple and compact optical setup design, we show how multitasking can be accomplished by a single apparatus.