A flexible system framework for a nanoassembly cell using optical tweezers

The optical tweezers instrument is a unique tool fordirected assembly of nanocomponents. In order to function as a
viable nanomanufacturing tool, a software architecture is
needed to run the optical tweezers hardware, provide an
effective user interface, and allow automated operation. A
flexible software system framework is described to utilize the
optical tweezers hardware to its full potential. Initially we lay
out the requirements for the system framework and define the
broad architectural choices made while implementing the
different modules. Implementation details of key system
modules are then described. The flexible nature of the
architecture is demonstrated by showing how a simulation
module can be seamlessly included into the framework to
replace the optical tweezers hardware as necessary. Finally, we
show some representative assembly operations to demonstrate
the capabilities of the system.