1. Versatile microparticle propulsion system by light-guided dielectrophoresis: Proposed method and theoretical calculation.
- Author
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Liang, Zexi and Fan, Donglei
- Subjects
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DIELECTROPHORESIS , *PROPULSION systems , *ELECTRIC lighting , *MICROELECTROMECHANICAL systems , *LIGHT intensity , *ELECTRIC fields - Abstract
Developing materials for active matter that can efficiently respond to external stimuli with designed multifold mechanical motions remains a major challenge, and overcoming this will greatly propel the advancement of micromachines and microrobots toward unprecedented biomedical, electronic, and particle-separation applications. Here, we propose an innovative working mechanism that allows multifold-translational-motion control of semiconductor microentities by AC dielectrophoresis with simple visible-light stimulation. We study the dielectrophoresis forces on semiconducting particles of various geometries in aqueous suspension by modeling with the consideration of both the Maxwell–Wagner relaxation and the electrical-double-layer-charging effect. With the obtained understanding, we rationally design a manipulation system that can versatilely transport semiconductors and orient them toward desired directions simultaneously by tuning the light intensity in an electric field. This research could provide insights toward developing a new class of micromachines with rarely found control flexibility and precision and offer a new route toward separation and purification of optoelectric microparticles of different geometries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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