Optical Science and Engineering ETDs

pranav rahti

Publication Date

9-5-2013

Abstract

Optical tweezers are not new to biological applications but building a tweezers which is versatile, automated, precise, stable and user-friendly is quite challenging. Such a tweezers usually require not only a hefty budget but vast understanding of engineer- ing of optomechanical systems. I describe in this dissertation a versatile, automated, precise, stable and user-friendly optical tweezers that we developed for biomolecular investigations under limited budget. I describe automation and control improvements along with newly-developed surface detection software. I also describe cost-e ective optomechanical devices used in tweezers with potential for broader application. Fi- nally, I present new results of single-molecule force spectroscopy of DNA overstretch- ing as a function of water isotope type. Single DNA unzipping is also presented as a proof of concept.

Degree Name

Optical Science and Engineering

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Optical Science and Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Lester, Luke

Second Committee Member

Thomas, james

Third Committee Member

Lidke, Keith

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

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