This invention relates to a method and apparatus for process cell cultures. The apparatus comprises a micro-chamber comprising no more than one absorption layer and at least one gel layer, in this order, laminated on a transparent base plate having no conspicuous absorbency in visible and infrared regions, and at least one light source. The absorption layer has absorbency in visible and infrared regions, and the gel-like material is a substance which has a gel dissolution temperature of 100 degree C. or less, solates when heated and is in a gel state at room temperature and has absorbency for a specific wave length of visible and infrared regions. The light source is monochromatic light in the specific wave length. The light source is disposed such that it irradiates on the absorption layer and/or gel layer, with the exception that when no absorption layer is provided, at least two layers each composed of a gel-like material are laminated on the transparent base plate.