Dynamic array of dark optical traps

The use of a dynamic array of dark optical traps for simultaneous trapping and arbitrary manipulation of multiple low-index microstructures was analyzed. A nearly loss-less phase-to-intensity conversion of a phase-encoded coherent light source was used to generate the dynamic intensity patterns forming the dark optical trap arrays. A computer-programmable spatial light modulator was used to encode two-dimensional input phase distributions correponding to the trapping patterns. The generation of multiple dark optical traps for simultaneous manipulation of hollow 'air-filled' glass microspheres suspended in an aqueous medium was demonstrated.