Light robotics: an all-optical nano- and micro-toolbox

Abstract

Recently we proposed the concept of so-called Light Robotics including the new and disruptive 3D-fabricated micro-tools coined Wave-guided Optical Waveguides that can be real-time optically manipulated and remote-controlled with a joystick in a volume with six-degrees-of-freedom. Exploring the full potential of this new ‘drone-like’ light-driven micro-robotics in challenging microscopic geometries requires a versatile and real-time reconfigurable light addressing that can dynamically track a plurality of tiny micro-robots in 3D to ensure continuous optimal light coupling on the fly. Our latest developments in this new and exciting research area will be reviewed.