Algorithms for Extraction of Nanowires Attributes From Optical Section Microscopy Images

Optical tweezers have emerged as a unique tool for micro and nanomanipulation. In an optical tweezers-based assembly cell, components are usually suspended in a fluidic medium and undergo constant random Brownian motion. Automated assembly using optical tweezers requires online monitoring of components in the assembly workspace. Nanowires are very important building blocks for constructing nanoscale devices. This paper presents algorithms for estimating length, location, and orientation of nanowires in the workspace using images obtained by optical section microscopy. The images are first segmented to locate general areas of interest which are then analyzed to determine discrete nanowire parameters. We use image gradient based techniques as well as feature extraction techniques to identify parameters of nanowire image patterns. These parameters are then used to estimate length, location, and orientation of nanowires.

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Algorithms for On-Line Monitoring of Micro Spheres in an Optical Tweezers-Based Assembly Cell

Journal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering ◽

10.1115/1.2795306 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 330-338 ◽

Cited By ~ 44

Author(s):

Tao Peng ◽

Arvind Balijepalli ◽

Satyandra K. Gupta ◽

Tom LeBrun

Keyword(s):

Optical Tweezers ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Optical Section ◽

Automated Assembly ◽

Glass Microspheres ◽

Assembly Cell ◽

Computational Speed ◽

On Line ◽

Areas Of Interest ◽

Speed And Accuracy

Optical tweezers have emerged as a powerful tool for micro- and nanomanipulation. Using optical tweezers to perform automated assembly requires on-line monitoring of components in the assembly workspace. This paper presents algorithms for estimating three-dimensional positions of microspheres in the assembly workspace. Algorithms presented in this paper use images obtained by optical section microscopy. The images are first segmented to locate areas of interest and then image gradient information from the areas of interest is used to locate the positions of individual micro spheres in the XY plane. Finally, signature curves are computed and utilized to obtain the Z locations of spheres. We have tested these algorithms with glass microspheres of two different sizes under different illumination conditions. Our experiments indicate that the algorithms described in this paper provide sufficient computational speed and accuracy to support the operation of optical tweezers.

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Algorithms for On-Line Monitoring of Components in an Optical Tweezers-Based Assembly Cell

Volume 3: 26th Computers and Information in Engineering Conference ◽

10.1115/detc2006-99546 ◽

2006 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Tao Peng ◽

Arvind Balijepalli ◽

Satyandra K. Gupta ◽

Thomas W. LeBrun

Keyword(s):

Optical Tweezers ◽

Optical Section ◽

Metallic Nanowires ◽

Automated Assembly ◽

3 Dimensional ◽

Image Gradient ◽

Assembly Cell ◽

On Line ◽

Assembly Operations ◽

Areas Of Interest

Optical tweezers have emerged as a powerful tool for micro and nanomanipulation. Using optical tweezers to perform automated assembly requires on-line monitoring of components in the assembly workspace. This paper presents algorithms for estimating positions and orientations of microscale and nanoscale components in the 3-Dimensional assembly workspace. Algorithms presented in this paper use images obtained by optical section microscopy. The images are first segmented to locate areas of interest and then image gradient information from the areas of interest is used to generate probable locations and orientations of components in the XY-plane. Finally, signature curves are computed and utilized to obtain component locations and orientations in 3-D space. We have tested these algorithms with silica micro-spheres as well as metallic nanowires. We believe that the algorithms described in this paper will provide the foundation for realizing automated assembly operations in optical tweezers-based assembly cells.

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Algorithms for Extraction of Nanowire Lengths and Positions From Optical Section Microscopy Image Sequence

Journal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering ◽

10.1115/1.3249573 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Tao Peng ◽

Arvind Balijepalli ◽

Satyandra K. Gupta ◽

Thomas W. LeBrun

Keyword(s):

Image Processing ◽

Optical Tweezers ◽

Image Sequence ◽

Optical Section ◽

Image Frame ◽

Image Processing Techniques ◽

Microscopy Image ◽

Processing Techniques ◽

Areas Of Interest ◽

Microscopy Images

This paper presents algorithms for estimating length, location, and orientation of nanowires in a fluidic workspace using images obtained by optical section microscopy. Images containing multiple nanowires are first segmented to locate general areas of interest, which are then analyzed to determine discrete nanowire parameters. We use a set of image processing techniques to extract features of nanowire image patterns, e.g., boundary of nanowire, linear edges, and the intensity profile of nanowire’s diffraction fringes. The parameters of the features are then used to estimate length, 3D position, and 3D orientation of nanowires. A scene representing the workspace is reconstructed using the estimated attributes of nanowires, and it is constantly updated upon the capture of every image frame. We believe that the work described in this paper will be useful for assembly of nanowires using optical tweezers.

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Assembly of multicomponent structures from hundreds of micron-scale building blocks using optical tweezers

Microsystems & Nanoengineering ◽

10.1038/s41378-021-00272-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jeffrey E. Melzer ◽

Euan McLeod

Keyword(s):

Optical Tweezers ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Building Blocks ◽

Optical Tweezer ◽

Device Fabrication ◽

Positional Accuracy ◽

Component Structure ◽

Material Development ◽

Critical Process Parameters ◽

Optical Positioning

AbstractThe fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) microscale structures is critical for many applications, including strong and lightweight material development, medical device fabrication, microrobotics, and photonic applications. While 3D microfabrication has seen progress over the past decades, complex multicomponent integration with small or hierarchical feature sizes is still a challenge. In this study, an optical positioning and linking (OPAL) platform based on optical tweezers is used to precisely fabricate 3D microstructures from two types of micron-scale building blocks linked by biochemical interactions. A computer-controlled interface with rapid on-the-fly automated recalibration routines maintains accuracy even after placing many building blocks. OPAL achieves a 60-nm positional accuracy by optimizing the molecular functionalization and laser power. A two-component structure consisting of 448 1-µm building blocks is assembled, representing the largest number of building blocks used to date in 3D optical tweezer microassembly. Although optical tweezers have previously been used for microfabrication, those results were generally restricted to single-material structures composed of a relatively small number of larger-sized building blocks, with little discussion of critical process parameters. It is anticipated that OPAL will enable the assembly, augmentation, and repair of microstructures composed of specialty micro/nanomaterial building blocks to be used in new photonic, microfluidic, and biomedical devices.

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Simulation of Automated Robotic Assembly

Volume 1: 21st Design Automation Conference ◽

10.1115/detc1995-0090 ◽

1995 ◽

Author(s):

Alec R. Miller ◽

Raymond J. Cipra

Keyword(s):

Manufacturing System ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Robotic Assembly ◽

Automated Assembly ◽

System A ◽

Assembly Cell ◽

Wide Range ◽

Graphical Visualization ◽

Manufacturing Software ◽

Research And Education

Abstract This paper examines the development of a networked simulation system. The Automated Robotic Manipulation (ARM) simulator is a central part of the network. This simulation tool currently assists with research and education into automated assembly. Robots, fixtures, conveyors, and parts create an automated assembly cell which is used to test advanced manufacturing software. ARM animates models of these physical components and enhances them with additional forms of three-dimensional graphical visualization. The feasibility of automated assembly can rapidly be assessed from the visual content presented by the simulator. Input formats for ARM are flexible enough to support a wide range of assembly cells and activities. Files and network transmissions customize the simulator to a particular assembly cell and its activities. The emerging assembly data protocol promotes the development of a truly integrated manufacturing system. A graphical interface complete with multiple views assists assembly cell layout and activity review, and networked operations significantly expand its role to areas such as interactive robot control and assembly preview.

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Handling of Frequent Design Changes in an Automated Assembly Cell for Electronic Products

Procedia CIRP ◽

10.1016/j.procir.2016.05.066 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 54 ◽

pp. 175-180

Author(s):

Alvaro Capellan ◽

Olivier Roulet-Dubonnet

Keyword(s):

Automated Assembly ◽

Electronic Products ◽

Design Changes ◽

Assembly Cell

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Use of enzymes as catalysts to promote key transformations in organic synthesis

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B Biological Sciences ◽

10.1098/rstb.1989.0069 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 324 (1224) ◽

pp. 577-587 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Keyword(s):

Organic Synthesis ◽

Large Scale ◽

Immobilized Enzymes ◽

Building Blocks ◽

Optically Active ◽

The Past ◽

Small Proteins ◽

Areas Of Interest ◽

Oxidation Of Benzene ◽

Reduction Of Ketones

The field of biotransformations has developed rapidly over the past eight years. The use of esterases and lipases is now widespread; these enzymes are of particular importance in the production of optically active building blocks for organic synthesis as well as in large-scale processes involving the transesterification of fats. The latter area (i.e. the catalysis of esterification processes) has stimulated research into the properties of immobilized enzymes and the use of enzymes in low-water systems. In related work, enzymes have been used for the preparation of peptides and small proteins. Redox enzymes have been investigated extensively, particularly with regard to the stereocontrolled reduction of ketones to secondary alcohols. The methods for using commercially available enzymes of this type have become increasingly ‘userfriendly’. The controlled oxidation of hydrocarbon units is another area that has deserved increased attention. For example, oxidation of benzene and simple derivatives by Pseudomonas sp. has been researched by a number of U.K. groups. These recent advances in enzyme-catalysed reactions (using both whole-cell systems and partly purified protein) for the transformation of unnatural substrates is discussed and some areas of interest for the future are outlined.

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