Thomas Aabo

Papers

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About

Thomas Aabo is a physicist whose research centers on optical micromanipulation, with a particular focus on noninvasive techniques for handling sensitive biological specimens. His major contribution lies in the development of indirect optical gripping methods that circumvent the damaging effects of direct laser exposure on delicate objects like living cells. In his most-cited work, "Indirect optical gripping with triplet traps" (2011, 29 citations), Aabo introduced an innovative approach using dynamic holographic optical tweezers to arrange six silica beads into a configurable gripper. By moving these beads to surround and manipulate a target, the technique achieves precise control without the laser ever touching the specimen directly. This work represents a significant advance in the field of biophotonics, offering a gentler alternative for micromanipulation that has implications for cell biology, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. Aabo’s research continues to inspire safer, more versatile tools for optical trapping and manipulation, bridging the gap between fundamental physics and practical biomedical applications.