What Are Optical Tweezers?

This video offers a concise introduction to optical tweezers, a key instrument in contemporary biophysics. By focusing a laser beam, optical tweezers enable the precise manipulation of microscopic objects such as individual molecules or living cells without physical contact. The device operates based on well-established physical principles, including radiation pressure and optical gradient forces. This overview highlights both the elegance of the mechanism and the scientific relevance of the tool, particularly in the study of molecular motors, nanoscale biomolecular interactions, and the non-invasive handling of delicate biological samples. An essential insight into how light is harnessed to explore the microscopic world.

This video was created by Alexandre Chartier, a student in the Cell Physics Master program at the University of Strasbourg.