  Computational modelling has made many useful contributions to the field of
optical tweezers. One aspect in which it can be applied is the simulation of
the dynamics of particles in optical tweezers. This can be useful for systems
with many degrees of freedom, and for the simulation of experiments. While
modelling of the optical force is a prerequisite for simulation of the motion
of particles in optical traps, non-optical forces must also be included; the
most important are usually Brownian motion and viscous drag. We discuss some
applications and examples of such simulations. We review the theory and
practical principles of simulation of optical tweezers, including the choice of
method of calculation of optical force, numerical solution of the equations of
motion of the particle, and finish with a discussion of a range of open
problems.
