Large Distance Transport and Rotation of Particles by Ultrasonic Standing Waves

Abstract

Ultrasonic standing waves can be used in many different settings. With frequency ramping many particles can be moved over cm distances and collected in corners or along sides of macro scale chambers. Rotation of non-spherical particles is analyzed and demonstrated using amplitude or phase modulation in a small cavity. Devices are made of polymers or fabricated using silicon micromachining, respectively. Standing waves are excited with piezoelectric elements by modulated signals. Experimental methods (schlieren imaging, high speed image acquisition) are used to characterize the systems and numerical methods to simulate the behavior under various conditions.