Optical Trap Generation Using Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) for Investigating Primary Ciliary Mechanics.

The primary objective of our laboratory is to investigate the mechanical properties of cilia within biological cells, which serve as crucial mechanical sensing transducers. To examine the mechanical responses of primary cilia to imposed mechanical forces, we have constructed an experimental setup consisting of a laser tweezer system that uses a spatial light modulator (SLM) to steer the trap. The SLM serves as a versatile optical modulator, enabling the generation of multiple moving independent optical traps, each capable of applying a controlled force, which we will use for mechanical manipulations of individual cilia. Our current effort focuses on programming the SLM to create two independent optical traps: one remains a static position while the other translates, exhibiting user-controlled sinusoidal oscillations within the trapping plane. These oscillations are parameterized by amplitude and frequency provided by the user. We will present a user-friendly interface (UI) that integrates the SLM control software with MATLAB. We have performed basic calibration measurements as well. This system represents a sophisticated opto-mechatronic platform, merging precision optics, biological microscopy, and computational control to advance our understanding of ciliary mechanics.