Photo-assisted splitting of dielectric microdroplets in a LN-based sandwich structure

We demonstrate an active and controllable photo-assisted splitting of dielectric microdroplets inside a LiNbO₃-based sandwich structure by utilizing the pyroelectric and photovoltaic effects of LiNbO₃ crystals. Basing on electrostatic simulation results, the mechanism of the photo-assisted splitting is explained; meanwhile, the microdoplet pre-polarizing and the inclined electrostatic force induced by the photovoltaic charges inside the sandwich structure are emphasized. We also study the dependence of the splitting part size on the substrate temperature variation, the irradiation intensity, and the duration. Featured dependence is found to follow the theoretical curve predicted by the compensation between the photo-excited and bound surface charges.