Optical trapping of three-dimensional structures using dynamic holograms

We demonstrate the use of a spatial light modulator (SLM) to facilitate the trapping of particles in three-dimensional structures through time-sharing. This method allows particles to be held in complex, three-dimensional configurations using cycling of simple holograms. Importantly, we discuss limiting factors inherent in current phase only SLM design for applications in both optical tweezing and atom trapping. (C) 2003 Optical Society of America.