From Particle Tracking to Autonomous Optical Tweezers
Date: 4 November 2026
Time: 11:30–12:00
Place: Physikzentrum Bad Honnef, Germany
Antonio Ciarlo gave the talk “From Particle Tracking to Autonomous Optical Tweezers” at the Physikzentrum Bad Honnef, Germany, on 4 November 2026.
The presentation explored how deep learning and automated feedback control can improve particle tracking and enable autonomous optical-tweezers experiments. Video microscopy is widely used to study the motion and dynamics of microscopic objects, but accurate and robust particle detection and tracking remain challenging, particularly under complex imaging conditions and when real-time analysis is required.
In his talk, Antonio presented DeepTrack 2, a deep-learning framework for quantitative microscopy and particle tracking, and SmartTrap, an automated optical-tweezers platform combining real-time three-dimensional tracking, optical manipulation, and feedback control. Together, these tools enable automated experiments on single particles, single cells, and single molecules.
The presentation highlighted how combining microscopy, machine learning, and automated control enables quantitative measurements and real-time experimental control, opening new possibilities for high-precision experiments at a previously unattainable scale.