fabrication-of-surface-acoustic-wave-devices-on-lithium-niobate

Fabrication of Surface Acoustic Wave Devices on Lithium Niobate

Manipulation of fluids and particles by acoustic actuation at small scale is aiding the rapid growth of lab-on-a-chip applications. Megahertz-order ...

University of California San Diego

Acoustic actuation of fluids at small scales may finally enable a comprehensive lab-on-a-chip revolution in microfluidics, overcoming long-standing difficulties in fluid and particle manipulation on-chip. In this comprehensive review, we examine the fundamentals of piezoelectricity, piezoelectric materials, and transducers; revisit the basics of acoustofluidics; and give the reader a detailed look at recent technological advances and current scientific discussions in the discipline. Recent achievements are placed in the context of classic reports for the actuation of fluid and particles via acoustic waves, both within sessile drops and closed channels. Other aspects of micro/nano acoustofluidics are examined: atomization, translation, mixing, jetting, and particle manipulation in the context of sessile drops and fluid mixing and pumping, particle manipulation, and formation of droplets in the context of closed channels, plus the most recent results at the nanoscale. These achievements will enable applications across the disciplines of chemistry, biology, medicine, energy, manufacturing, and we suspect a number of others yet unimagined. Basic design concepts and illustrative applications are highlighted in each section, with an emphasis on lab-on-a-chip applications.

Micro/nano acoustofluidics: materials, phenomena, design, devices, and applications.

High frequency (MHz-order) surface acoustic waves (SAW) are able to generate intense fluid flow from the attenuation of acoustic radiation in viscous fluids as acoustic streaming. Though such flows are known to produce a force upon the fluid and an equivalent and opposing force upon the object producing the acoustic radiation, there is no convenient method for measuring this force. We describe a new method to accomplish this aim, noting the potential of these devices in providing essentially silent underwater propulsion by virtue of their use of the sound itself to generate fluid momentum flux. Our example employs a 40 MHz SAW device as a pendulum bob while immersed in a fluid, measuring a 1.5 mN propulsion force from an input power of 5 W power to the SAW device. Supporting details regarding the acoustic streaming profile via particle image velocimetry and an associated theoretical model are provided to aid in the determination of the propulsion force knowing the applied power and fluid characteristics. Finally, a simple model is provided to aid the selection of the acoustic device size to maximize the propulsion force per unit device area, a key figure of merit in underwater propulsion devices. Using this model, a maximum force of approximately 10 mN/cm 2 was obtained from 1 W input power using 40 MHz SAW in water and producing a power efficiency of approximately 50%. Given the advantages of this technology in silent propulsion with such large efficiency and propulsion force per unit volume, it seems likely this method will be beneficial in propelling small autonomous submersibles.

Article	Year
Micro/nano acoustofluidics: materials, phenomena, design, devices, and applications. Lab on a chip\| PubMed ID: 29922774	2018
MHz-Order Surface Acoustic Wave Thruster for Underwater Silent Propulsion. Micromachines\| PubMed ID: 32316135	2020

Naiqing Zhang

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