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A computer-controlled apparatus for micrometric drop deposition at liquid surfaces
Franklin Peña-Polo1, Leonardo Trujillo, Leonardo Di G Sigalotti
1Centro de Física, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Apartado Postal 20632, Caracas 1020-A, Venezuela.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|June 3, 2010
Summary
A new automated apparatus enables precise, low-velocity deposition of liquid drops onto surfaces. This method minimizes vibrations, enhancing accuracy for fluid mechanics, engineering, and biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Fluid mechanics
- Thermal sciences
- Biomedical engineering
- Microelectronics
Background:
- Micrometric deposition is crucial for scientific and engineering applications.
- Existing methods may induce vibrations, affecting accuracy.
- Precise control over drop impact is essential for reliable results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a low-cost, automated apparatus for precise micrometric drop deposition.
- To achieve deposition at adiabatically zero velocity.
- To minimize vibrations induced during the deposition process.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing discrete, micron-scale translations for controlled drop approach.
- Implementing a descent strategy with steps of ~5.6 microm and 150-200 ms duration.
- Designing the apparatus to minimize vibrations from capillary tip movement.
Main Results:
- Successful deposition of pendant drops onto a quiet liquid surface with minimal penetration depth.
- Vibrations transmitted to the drop were reduced to noise levels.
- Demonstrated capability for accurate deposition and vibration reduction.
Conclusions:
- The developed apparatus offers a cost-effective and accurate solution for micrometric drop deposition.
- The method effectively minimizes drop penetration and vibrations.
- The apparatus is versatile and adaptable for diverse applications, including surface tension measurements and microelectronics wire bonding.
