The present invention relates to an optical manipulation system (10) for generation of a plurality of optical traps for manipulation of micro-objects including nano-objects using electromagnetic radiation forces in a micro-object manipulation volume (14), the system comprising a spatially modulated light source (16) for emission of a first light beam (24) with a spatially an adjustable spatial light modulator (26) for generating a second (28) and a third (30) modulated light beam, the second intensity modulated light beam propagating towards a first deflector (32) for deflection of the second light beam towards the micro-object manipulation volume (14), and the third intensity modulated light beam propagating towards a second deflector (34) for deflection of the third light beam towards the same volume (14). In one embodiment the optical manipulation system provides sets of beams propagating along substantially the same axis of propagation but in opposite directions, so-called counter-propagating beams, thereby forming a significant trapping force along the propagation axis of the beams for trapping of a micro-object.