Cost-Effective Optical Tweezers Using the Open Flexure Microscope

Optical tweezers are a Nobel Prize-winning technology that have contributed to research in molecular biology, quantum computing, and biochemical physics. By focusing a laser beam, optical tweezers enable precise nanoparticle manipulation. However, the cost of tweezers can restrict use and dissemination, often exceeding the budgets of many high schools and undergraduate labs. Our setup, referred to as the Cheezer, consists of a replicable and precise optical tweezer for under $5000. It is derived from OpenFlexure's affordable 3D-printed microscope platform, extending the device's capabilities with custom electronics, 3D printed parts, and other optics. The optics, along with certain microscope elements, align and prepare a laser beam. The wiring has also been reconfigured for a proprietary motor controller. These changes, among others, are used to implement cost-optimized laser-optics and backfocal-plane detection systems. Custom software has also been developed to operate the microscope and collect data, eliminating the need for a Raspberry Pi. This poster details the design process, engineering, and experimentation of this low-cost optical tweezer. Its open-source platform enables aspiring researchers to participate in particle physics and strengthen their skills for a quantum-ready workforce.