Self-aligned spatial filtering using laser optical tweezers

We present an optical spatial filtering device that has been integrated into a microfluidic system and whose motion and alignment is controlled using a laser optical tweezer. The lithographically patterned microoptical spatial filter device filters out higher frequency additive noise components by automatically aligning itself in three dimensions to the focus of the laser beam. This self-alignment capability is achieved through the attachment of a refractive optical element directly over the circular aperture or pinhole of the spatial filter. A discussion of two different spatial filter designs is presented along with experimental results that demonstrate the effectiveness of the self-aligned micro-optic spatial filter.