A particulate sampling apparatus configured to control the flow direction of a dispersion solvent for particulates, at a channel branching section of a channel includes an introduction channel capable of introducing the dispersion solvent, and a plurality of branch channels communicating with the introduction channel, so as to disperse desired ones of the particulates into a selected one of the branch channels, wherein the apparatus includes light irradiation means by which a bubble can be generated in the dispersion solvent by irradiation with a laser beam used as a heat source, and the flow direction of the dispersion solvent at the channel branching section is controlled by the bubble.