A system for trapping particles in a gas comprising a chamber; an intake for intake of a gas containing at least one particle to be trapped and released, and an outlet for exit of the gas out of the chamber containing at least one particle; a first passage operatively connected to the intake operating to create a flow of a gas containing at least one particle into the chamber, a second passage operatively connected to the outlet for flow of the gas; a third passage operatively connected to a gaseous flow for creating a flow of fluid in a direction substantially opposite to the transfer of gas from the first passage so as to counteract the flow of gas from the first passage; an image sensor for recording an image; and a laser for generating a light beam for forming a photophoretic trap between the first and third passages.