JP3219469B2 - Optically manipulator and method of driving the same - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optically manipulator capable of handling non-contact fine particles, such as fine particles and cells, without destroying them, and a method of driving the manipulator.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electrostatic actuator has an electrode on a stator (or a moving element), applies a predetermined high voltage to this electrode, and generates an attraction force of electric charge between the stator and the moving element generated by the electrode. Alternatively, the moving element is driven by using a repulsive force (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-50787).

As a method for handling minute objects such as cells, there is a laser trap. This is because when irradiating fine particles with laser light with high energy density,
The particles in the optical electric field undergo dielectric polarization, and a dipole moment is generated, whereby the particles are attracted to the maximum point of the electric field (the point where the laser intensity is the maximum), and an effect occurs as if the particles were caught by the laser light. . This effect is used to handle fine particles such as cells (Nikkei Science, April 1992, pp. 62-74).
reference).

[0004]

However, when a high voltage is applied to the above-mentioned electrodes to generate an electrostatic force, it is necessary to reduce the pitch of the electrodes in order to obtain a larger electrostatic force. However, when a high voltage is applied to an electrode having a small electrode pitch, a short circuit or discharge easily occurs between the electrodes. In addition, it is necessary to change the configuration of the electrodes depending on the shape of the moving element, the moving direction, and the like, which is inconvenient.

On the other hand, in the case of a laser trap, the size of the object to be moved is limited. Usually, one laser is required for each fine particle, and a plurality of lasers are required to simultaneously drive a plurality of particles. Will be needed. Also, depending on the wavelength and power of the laser, the properties of the object may change or be destroyed.

According to the present invention, the above problems are eliminated, the movable element is driven by energy transfer by light, and a fine electrode forming structure is not required unlike a conventional electrostatic actuator. An object of the present invention is to provide a light-operated manipulator and a method of driving the manipulator, which are unnecessary and can be accurately handled in an isolated environment.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, an object of the present invention is to provide a light-operated manipulator, comprising: a fixing portion made of a material having a photovoltaic effect; and a solution reservoir provided on the fixing portion. An observation object contained in the solution reservoir, a light source for irradiating light to the bottom surface of the fixing unit , and a shift unit for the light source, and the light source irradiates the fixing unit with a light source. An electric charge is induced by polarization, the observation object is charged with a charge opposite to the electric charge, and the light source is shifted to move the observation object.

Further, a solution reservoir is provided on a fixing portion made of a material having a photovoltaic effect, an object to be observed is accommodated in the solution, and light is irradiated from a lower light source onto a bottom surface of the fixing portion. A charge is induced by the spontaneous polarization of the fixed part, the observation object is charged with a charge opposite to the charge, initialization is performed, the light source is shifted, and a spontaneous polarization of a position to be moved of the fixed part is performed. To induce a charge, and generate a Coulomb force between the charge and the charge of the observation target to move the observation target.

Further, a fixed part made of a material having a photovoltaic effect, a movable member mounted on the fixed part , a light source for irradiating light to a bottom surface of the fixed part , and a shift means for the light source, By inducing a charge by the spontaneous polarization of the fixed portion by irradiating light from the light source, charging the object to be observed with a charge opposite to the charge and shifting the light source, the moving element Is moved.

[0010]

According to the present invention, as described above, the bottom surface of the fixed portion is irradiated with light to generate polarization, thereby charging the object to be observed or the moving element and shifting the light source. Thereby, the observation object or the moving element is moved by the Coulomb force including the repulsive force or the suction force (both of them) generated by the charge between the observation object or the moving element and the fixed portion.

In particular, a fixing unit made of a ferroelectric polymer film or a ferroelectric ceramic, in which a mechanism for scanning a light source and irradiation with light causes a photovoltaic effect and polarization occurs, and is mounted on the fixing unit. It consists of an observation object or a moving element to be placed and handled.

[0012] Therefore, in the optical manipulator, the object to be observed or the moving element is driven by energy transmission by light, so that a fine electrode forming structure unlike a conventional electrostatic actuator is not required. Therefore, complicated wiring is unnecessary, and accurate handling is possible in an isolated environment.

Further, by using a mask or a transmissive liquid crystal for optical scanning, the irradiation range and position of the light can be arbitrarily set.

Further, it is possible to set a plurality of objects to be observed on the fixed part and to handle them simultaneously.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a light-operated manipulator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, handling of fine particles as an object to be observed in a solution is performed.

As shown in FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a fixing portion made of a ferroelectric polymer film 12, and a solution reservoir 13 is provided based on the fixing portion. A solution 14 is stored in the solution reservoir 13, and 14 has fine particles 15 as an object to be observed. Here, as the solution 14, an inert liquid that is not ionized by an electric field, for example, a fluorine-based inert liquid can be used.

Therefore, the ferroelectric polymer film 12 as the fixing portion 11 is configured to be polarized in the thickness direction when irradiated with light.

Hereinafter, a method of driving the optically-operated manipulator will be described.

First, the ferroelectric polymer film 12 is irradiated with light to generate polarization in the thickness direction. Thereby,
Electric charges are generated in the fine particles 15, and an attractive force acts on the electric charges between the fine particles 15 and the ferroelectric polymer film 12.

Thereafter, when the light source is scanned, the polarization of the ferroelectric polymer film 12 changes accordingly, so that the fine particles 15 are driven by the attraction of electric charges.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a light-operated manipulator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A shows a case where scanning of a light source is performed using a positive mask.
(B) shows a case where scanning of the light source is performed using a negative mask. In addition, about the same part as FIG.
The same numbers are given and their explanation is omitted.

When the scanning of the light source is performed using a positive mask, a desired area of the film 12 is irradiated with light between the light source and the ferroelectric polymer film 12 as shown in FIG. The fine particles 15 are driven by the same principle as that of the first embodiment by inserting a mask 21 having holes 22 for making holes and moving the mask 21. Reference numeral 16 denotes an upper film.

When the scanning of the light source is performed using a negative mask, as shown in FIG. 2B, a light is applied to a desired area of the film 12 between the light source and the ferroelectric polymer film 12. A fine particle 15 is driven on the same principle as in the first embodiment by inserting a mask 31 having a hole 32 for irradiating the laser beam and moving the mask 31.

The same effect can be obtained by using a ferroelectric ceramic plate, for example, a PLZT ceramic, instead of the ferroelectric polymer film 12 as the fixing portion 11.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a light-operated manipulator according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment shows an example in which a transmission type liquid crystal is used for scanning a light source.

As shown in this figure, the function of the mask used in FIG. 2 is replaced by a transmissive liquid crystal 41, and the range and position of the light applied to the ferroelectric polymer film 12 are set to the transmissive liquid crystal 41. It can be set arbitrarily by a drive signal applied from the outside. That is, by arbitrarily changing the light transmission shape, the fine particles 15 can be driven arbitrarily in accordance with the light transmission shape.

Further, this makes it possible to handle a plurality of particles on the ferroelectric polymer film 12 at the same time.

For example, when masking irradiation light using a transmissive liquid crystal, as shown in FIG. 4, even if different types of fine particles are present in the same solution, as shown in FIG. The fine particles 51 are applied to the light irradiation area A, and the light irradiation area B
Can select the fine particles 52, respectively.
As shown in FIG. 4B, the data can be collected by reducing the light irradiation area A ′ and the light irradiation area B ′. Incidentally, reference numeral 40 denotes a mask area.

The film 16 above the solution reservoir 13
Is transparent so that the microscope or CC
An observation device 50 (see FIG. 3) such as a D camera can be installed, and the particles in the solution 14 can be handled while monitoring with the observation device 50.

When driving fine particles in a solution,
As the solution, an inert liquid which is not ionized by an electric field is used.

In the above embodiment, the fine particles are used as the object to be observed. However, it goes without saying that biomaterials such as cells and microorganisms can be handled as the object to be observed instead.

When handling biological substances, it is desirable to use water or the like suitable for the solution.

Next, FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a driving method of an optically-operated manipulator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

First, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), on a fixed portion 61 made of a ferroelectric polymer film 62, a movable element 6 having an insulating film 63a coated with a resistor thin film 63b is applied.
3 is placed. Then, light is irradiated from the lower light source to the ferroelectric polymer film 62 which is the fixing portion 61, and the movable member 63 is initialized. That is, in the state of FIG.
Is, as is clear from the embodiment shown in FIGS.
Charge on the bottom of the conductive polymer film 62
A positive charge is generated on the upper surface of the polymer film 62,
On the other hand, the bottom surface of the insulating film 63a as the moving element 63
A negative charge, and a positive charge on the upper surface of the resistor thin film 63b.
Each of them is generated, and initialization of the movable element 63 is performed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, the light source is shifted in the traveling direction of the moving member 63 by half the length of the moving member 63. Then, the resistor thin film 63b on the mover 63 side
Since the electric charge of the ferroelectric polymer film 62 has a large resistance value, it cannot move immediately even if the polarization of the ferroelectric polymer film 62 changes . A charge of a portion where the light does not contact the transfer Doko 63 is irradiated polarization charge of the moving element 63 suction force acts because the different signs, so that the direction of the moving element 63 is shifted to the light source Moving.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), when the charges of the ferroelectric polymer film 62 and the moving element 63 are balanced, the film stops. Thereafter, the ferroelectric polymer film 62 is irradiated with light again, and the movable element 63 is charged by spontaneous polarization. In this case, since a considerable amount of electric charge remains, the charging time is sufficiently shorter than the initial setting (see FIG. 5A). By repeating the light scanning and charging, the moving element 63 can be moved in the direction in which the light is scanned.

In addition, the moving element is obtained from the polarization speed of the fixed portion.
Any shape may be used as long as the charging speed is low.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible based on the gist of the present invention, and these are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

[0042]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the object to be observed or the moving element is driven by energy transmission by light, so that a fine electrode like a conventional electrostatic actuator is used. It does not require a formation structure, does not require wiring associated with electrodes, and can be properly handled in an isolated environment.

Further, by using a mask or a transmissive liquid crystal for optical scanning, the irradiation range and position of the light can be set arbitrarily.

Further, it is possible to set a plurality of observation objects on the fixed portion and handle them simultaneously.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a light-operated manipulator showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a light-operated manipulator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a light-operated manipulator according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of handling by a light-operated manipulator according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating a driving method of an optically-operated manipulator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11, 61 Fixing part 12, 62 Ferroelectric polymer film 13 Solution reservoir 14 Solution 15, 51, 52 Fine particle 16 Upper film 21, 31 Mask 22, 32 hole 40 Mask area 41 Transmission liquid crystal 50 Observation device 63 Moving element 63a Insulating film 63b Resistor thin film

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Yasuhito Yanagida 2627 Pole YABE401, 2627 Ikebe-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa (56) References JP-A-62-121418 (JP, A) JP-A-3-134608 ( JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G02B 19/00-21/00 G02B 21/06-21/36 B25J 7/00 G01N 33/48 C12M 1/00

Claims (18)

(57) [Claims] (A) a fixing portion made of a material having a photovoltaic effect; (b) a solution reservoir provided on the fixing portion; and (c) an observation target housed in the solution reservoir. (C) a light source for irradiating light to the bottom surface of the fixed part ; and (d) a shift means for the light source. (E) Charge is generated by spontaneous polarization of the fixed part by irradiation of light from the light source. An optically-operated manipulator, wherein the observation object is moved by causing the observation object to be charged with a charge opposite to the electric charge and shifting the light source. 2. A fixed part made of a material having a photovoltaic effect, (b) a movable member mounted on the fixed part, and (c) a light is irradiated on a bottom surface of the fixed part. A light source; and (d) shifting means for the light source; (e) irradiating light from the light source to induce charge by spontaneous polarization of the fixed portion, and to cause the observation object to have a charge opposite to the charge. A light-operating manipulator, wherein the movable element is moved by charging the light source and shifting the light source. 3. The optical manipulator according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion is made of a ferroelectric polymer film. 4. The optical manipulator according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion is made of a ferroelectric ceramic plate. 5. The light-operated manipulator according to claim 1, wherein the object to be observed is a fine particle. 6. The light-operated manipulator according to claim 1, wherein the observation target is a biological substance. 7. The light-operated manipulator according to claim 1, further comprising a mask for shifting the light source. 8. The light-operated manipulator according to claim 7, wherein the mask is a positive mask. 9. The light-operated manipulator according to claim 7, wherein the mask is a negative mask. 10. The light-operated manipulator according to claim 7, wherein the mask is a transmissive liquid crystal. 11. The light-operated manipulator according to claim 1, further comprising a light-transmitting member provided above the solution reservoir.
An optical manipulator with an observation device placed above it. 12. The light-operated manipulator according to claim 2, wherein the movable element is an insulating film having a resistor thin film on the surface. 13. A method for driving an optically-operated manipulator, comprising: (a) providing a solution reservoir on a fixed portion made of a material having a photovoltaic effect, and accommodating an observation target in the solution; Irradiating the bottom surface of the fixed part with light from a lower light source; (c) inducing electric charge by spontaneous polarization of the fixed part, charging the observation object with a charge opposite to the electric charge, performing initial setting; (D) shifting the light source to induce electric charge by spontaneous polarization of a position to be moved of the fixed part, and generating a Coulomb force between the electric charge and the electric charge of the object to be observed, For driving a light-operated manipulator that moves the robot. 14. A method for driving an optically-operated manipulator, comprising: (a) mounting a movable element on a fixed portion made of a material having a photovoltaic effect; and (b) a lower light source on a bottom surface of the fixed portion. Irradiating light, (c) inducing electric charge by spontaneous polarization of the fixed part, charging the mobile element with an electric charge opposite to the electric charge, performing initial setting, and (d) shifting the light source, A method for driving an optically-operated manipulator for inducing a charge by spontaneous polarization of a position to be moved of the fixed part and generating a Coulomb force between the charge and the charge of the mover to move the mover. 15. The driving method of an optically-operated manipulator according to claim 13, wherein the light source is scanned. 16. A method according to claim 13, wherein the light source is shifted using a mask. 17. The method of driving an optically manipulator according to claim 13, wherein the light source is shifted using a transmission type liquid crystal. 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein a transmission shape of light can be arbitrarily changed by the transmission type liquid crystal.