Large-scale 3D nanoassembly using automated optical tweezers

Our optical positioning and linking (OPAL) platform uses optical tweezers and biochemical linking to assemble complex 3D nanostructures. This approach overcomes challenges posed by other nanofabrication techniques related to material integration and feature complexity. By analyzing a backscattered signal using a quadrant photodiode, the number of particles trapped can be determined in real time, enabling a fully automated assembly process. Assembly parameters like translation speed and particle concentration have been optimized to minimize assembly time while maximizing placement success and accuracy. This automation is valuable for large-scale structures that require thousands of building blocks and can be used for rapid prototyping of nanophotonic devices and metamaterials.