An apparatus for handling a minute object such as a cell by using a holographic optical tweezers that comprises a laser light source 1, holographic plate 3 having a specified pattern to form a hologram with light emitted from the light source, and a transparent plate that holds a liquid including a minute object, wherein the holographic plate 3 is irradiated with laser light emitted from the laser light source 1, and the laser light passed through the holographic plate 3 is focused in a sample solution 7 held on the transparent plate 6 to form a hologram having a pattern according to the pattern of the holographic plate 3 in the sample solution 7.