Non-spherical Janus microparticles localization using equivalent geometric center and image processing

Abstract

In recent years, Janus microspheres technology has been widely applied and developed in various fields. However, existing studies often rely on electron microscopy images, treating Janus microspheres as spherical to observe their submicron structures. This approach falls short in meeting the demand for precise measurement of the specific position and orientation of microspheres at the single-molecule scale. Here, we propose a standardized processing procedure that integrates multiple image processing algorithms to measure the position of Janus microspheres through the image capture. Our approach enhances the two-dimensional planar positioning accuracy of non-spherical Janus microspheres in micro-nano optical measurement systems. Utilizing this method, we can conduct a further research on the structure and motion characteristics of the microsphere at the single-particle scale. This method has been validated on a transmission illumination optical tweezers platforms, successfully calibrating the central position of the optical trap. Our work offers a greater convenience for measuring non-spherical Janus microspheres in liquid environments. It also provides a fresh perspective for subsequent studies on the motion trajectories and force dynamics of heterogeneous microspheres, showcasing its broad potential for application.