Acoustophoresis in suspensions with local and time-discrete sound fields based on the time reversal technique

Abstract. In this paper, a new approach of three-dimensional acoustic particle manipulation (acoustophoresis) in closed and liquid-filled vessels based on the time reversal technique is discussed. Based on simulation studies, this work investigates the technical prerequisites to achieve appropriate acoustic radiation forces (ARFs) for the manipulation of small particles with the time reversal method by utilizing multiple reflections in a closed vessel. The time-discrete and localized acoustic pressure field required for this purpose is generated by a time reversal mirror composed of 24 piezoceramic transducers. The paper also gives an outlook on practical evaluation of the simulation results based on a demonstrator setup.