We present a droplet-manipulation method using opto-thermal flows in oils. The flows are originated from Marangoni and buoyancy effects due to temperature gradient, generated by the adsorption of light on an amorphous silicon thin film. Using this method, we can transport, merge and mix droplets in an extremely simple system. Since the temperature rise during the operation is small, this method can be used for biological applications without the damage on cell viability.
