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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
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Microparticle Manipulation by Standing Surface Acoustic Waves with Dual-frequency Excitations
Published on: August 21, 2018
Robust acoustic particle manipulation: A thin-reflector design for moving particles to a surface
P Glynne-Jones1, R J Boltryk, M Hill
1School of Engineering Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom. p.glynne-jones@soton.ac.uk
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|September 11, 2009
Summary
This study introduces an improved ultrasonic manipulation device for efficient particle handling in sensors. The new design uses a layered structure for uniform acoustic force, enabling cost-effective, disposable sensor applications.
Area of Science:
- Acoustics, Materials Science, Sensor Technology
Background:
- Existing ultrasonic manipulation devices, known as quarter-wave devices, show promise for sensor applications.
- However, current designs face limitations with specific materials and geometric sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel configuration for ultrasonic manipulation using the first thickness resonance of a layered structure.
- To enhance efficiency and uniformity in acoustic radiation force for particle manipulation.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a layered structure comprising a thin reflector layer and a thin fluid layer.
- Exploiting the first thickness resonance mode for acoustic manipulation.
Main Results:
- The described mode is efficient even with lossy reflector materials like polymers.
- It generates a more uniform acoustic radiation force at the reflector surface.
- The design exhibits reduced sensitivity to geometric variations compared to previous quarter-wave devices.
Conclusions:
- The novel design offers significant advantages for ultrasonic particle manipulation.
- This configuration is well-suited for the mass production of affordable, disposable sensor devices.
