Improving Our Understanding of Particle Behavior

In the below “Tutorial Tuesday” video clip, David Clases, who is associate professor at the University of Graz, discusses using two-dimensional (2D) optical traps to study particles by combining fluidic and optical forces for static trapping, acceleration, and deceleration.^1,2 The technique complements inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) by enabling researchers to investigate particles that may be missed during detection while providing additional information through Raman spectroscopy and particle size measurements.¹ Together, these methods improve understanding of particle behavior, mobility, and uptake in living organisms, offering a more complete picture than ICP-MS alone.¹

What is Dr. Clases’s research focus?

Clases’s research focuses on advancing atomic spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS). After earning his chemistry degrees from the University of Münster, he held a fellowship and faculty position at the University of Technology Sydney before returning to Europe in 2021 to establish the NanoMicroLab at the University of Graz.^1,2 His research emphasizes ICP-MS, laser ablation, ICP-time of flight–mass spectrometry (ICP-TOFMS), and single-particle analysis, while developing innovative approaches that combine ICP-MS with optical trapping and Raman spectroscopy to better characterize complex particulate systems.^1,2 He has published about 60 scientific papers and received several prestigious honors, including an ERC Starting Grant.¹

What is Tutorial Tuesday?

“Tutorial Tuesday” is an ongoing video series that is designed to educate the audience and encourage them to explore important topics in analytical spectroscopy further, aimed at both newcomers and experienced analysts wanting a quick refresher. These bite-sized clips featuring subject matter experts discussing current trends and techniques, which are designed to spark curiosity rather than serve as deep dives.³

The video series frames each video as a glimpse of a topic while inviting the audience to explore the topic further. To explore all previously published “Tutorial Tuesday” clips, you can find them all listed under “Video Shorts” on the Spectroscopy website: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/shorts.

References

1. Clases, D.; Wetzel, W. How Trimodal OF2i–Raman–ICP-TOFMS Is Changing Microplastic Analysis. Spectroscopy Online, 2026. https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/how-trimodal-of2i-raman-icp-tofms-is-changing-microplastic-analysis (accessed July 29, 2026).
2. Royal Society of Chemistry, David Clases. Royal Society of Chemistry, 2026. https://www.rsc.org/standards-and-recognition/prizes/winners/david-clases (accessed July 29, 2026).
3. Wetzel, W. Spectroscopy Announces the Launch of Tutorial Tuesday. Spectroscopy Online, 2026. https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/spectroscopy-announces-the-launch-of-tutorial-tuesday (accessed July 29, 2026).