Acoustic trapping with a high frequency linear phased array

Abstract

A high frequency ultrasonic phased array is shown to be capable of trapping and translating microparticles precisely and efficiently, made possible due to the fact that the acoustic beam produced by a phased array can be both focused and steered. Acoustic manipulation of microparticles by a phased array is advantageous over a single element transducer since there is no mechanical movement required for the array. Experimental results show that 45 mu m diameter polystyrene microspheres can be easily and accurately trapped and moved to desired positions by a 64-element 26MHz phased array. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4766912]