Optical Tweezers: From Light Scattering Theory to Micro/Nanoparticle Manipulation
A special issue of Photonics (ISSN 2304-6732). This special issue belongs to the section "Biophotonics and Biomedical Optics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2026 | Viewed by 39
Special Issue Editors
Interests: biophotonics; biomedical optics; biosensing; light-tissue/cell interaction; optical tweezers; cell manipulation and measurement; red blood cells; laser blood irradiation; nano-medicine; laser sensing techniques
Interests: biophotonics; biomedical optics; biosensing; light-tissue/cell interaction; nanotechnology; plasmonics; optical tweezers; cell manipulation; red blood cells; optoporation; microfluidics; wearables; optical phantoms; nanomedicine; photoprotection
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Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Since their inception, optical tweezers have revolutionized manipulation at the micro- and nanoscale. This technique bridges fundamental light–matter interactions—rooted in Maxwell’s electromagnetic theory and Mie scattering—with advanced applications in biophysics, nanotechnology, soft matter research, materials science, and quantum optics. With the ability to dynamically trap and manipulate dielectric and metallic micro/nanoparticles, optical tweezers enable precise control at the single-particle level and provide unparalleled tools for non-contact force measurement, enabling insight into fundamental biological and physical processes. This technique has revolutionized the study of molecular forces, cellular mechanics, colloidal interactions, drug delivery, lab-on-a-chip devices, and advanced material synthesis, underscoring its transformative potential across disciplines. Despite this progress, challenges remain in scaling manipulation to sub-nanometer precision, minimizing photodamage, and enhancing real-time feedback mechanisms.
This Special Issue aims to advance the understanding and application of optical tweezers by exploring theoretical concepts, numerical models, and experimental breakthroughs in micro/nanoparticle manipulation. It aligns perfectly with the scope of Photonics by highlighting the pivotal role of optical and photonic principles in developing next-generation tools for science and technology. We invite contributions that bridge theory, modeling/simulations, and experiments, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to address challenges in biomedical engineering, nanophotonics, and beyond.
In this Special Issue, original research articles and comprehensive review papers are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Advanced light scattering models/gradient force mechanisms for optical trapping;
- Scattering theory adaptations for trapping and manipulation of complex nanostructures and metamaterials;
- Novel optical configurations for enhanced trapping stiffness and resolution;
- Multifunctional/novel optical tweezer systems (optical trapping with structured light, optical fiber tweezers, holographic optical tweezers, photopyroelectric tweezers, etc.);
- Biomedical applications (single-molecule biophysics, cell manipulation, etc.);
- High-precision nanofabrication enabled by optically trapped probes;
- Integration of AI-driven adaptive optics for dynamic particle control;
- Integration with microfluidics or machine learning.
We look forward to receiving your contributions.
Dr. Ruixue Zhu
Dr. Alexey Popov
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Photonics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- optical tweezers
- light scattering/electromagnetic theory
- micro/nanoparticle manipulation
- sub-piconewton precision
- non-contact force measurement
- biophysics
- multi-field integration
- modeling and simulations
- photonics/interdisciplinary applications
- AI-powered optical tweezers
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