Generation of multiple Bessel beams for a biophotonics workstation

We present a simple method using an axicon and spatial light modulator to create multiple parallel Bessel beams and precisely control their individual positions in three dimensions. This technique is tested as an alternative to classical holographic beam shaping commonly used now in optical tweezers. Various applications of precise control of multiple Bessel beams are demonstrated within a single microscope giving rise to new methods for three-dimensional positional control of trapped particles or active sorting of micro-objects as well as "focus- free" photoporation of living cells. Overall this concept is termed a 'biophotonics workstation' where users may readily trap, sort and porate material using Bessel light modes in a microscope. (C) 2008 Optical Society of America.