Devices for particle handling by an AC electric field

Abstract

Devices for particle handling using an AC electric field are proposed and experimentally validated. With the application of balanced multi- phase high voltage in the 200Vptp to 2kVptp range to a series of encased parallel electrodes with a cen- ter-to-center pitch length of 400pm, particles on a thin protecting and insulating film become charged and are conveyed by the created traveling field. Devices with various novel transportation and ma- nipulation features, utilizing multi-phase AC electric fields that instantly generate particle driving forces, have been designed and produced. Their features include newly developed methods for particle con- veyance smoothing, grouping, and sorting, as well as two-dimensional handling. Particle conveyance char- aderistics have been studied under the influence of three different voltage profiles and in diverse envi- ronments. Various particle materials with a 5pm to 400pm diameter range have been examined in ex- periments; Fe, AZ, glass, and plastic spheres showed the best performances.