Acoustofluidics 2024

imec

Chen Wu, PhD student is presenting on Study of SAW field nonuniformity for optimization of SAW based acoustic streaming micropump

Micropump plays an important role in microfluidic systems and the interdigitated transducer (IDT) surface acoustic wave (SAW) micropump has drawn increasing attention due to its ease of fabrication, miniaturized footprint, high working frequency and precise control of the flow velocity. The IDT, which is composed of multiple comb-like electrode finger pairs, is used to generate the SAW. A PDMS microfluidic chip is bonded adjacent to the IDT. From Fig.1, the generated SAW first propagates along the substrate, penetrates through the channel side wall and subsequently couples with the fluid inside the channel to induce directional acoustic streaming to realize the pumping functionality. However, the amplitude of the SAW is extremely low (in sub nanometer range). What’s worse, the SAW experiences a severe acoustic energy attenuation when propagating through the channel side wall under high working frequency. All these drawbacks result in an extremely low pumping velocity (0.99 mm/min) [1]. It is obvious that the PDMS channel side wall should be as thin as possible to minimize the acoustic attenuation. The position of the channel also has a significant impact on the pumping velocity and is worth investigating. In this work, based on the above-mentioned design of the IDT based SAW micropump, we propose a study of the non-uniformity of the SAW field. We define an optimal position where the maximum displacement amplitude of the SAW is obtained, leading to an increased pumping velocity.

Event Details

This focused meeting is dedicated to exploring the science, engineering, and use of micro- to nanoscale Acoustofluidics.

In particular the scope of the conference includes but is not limited to:

1. Devices

• Transducer Fabrication
• Integrated System
• Lab-on-a-Chip
• Thin Film and Flexible Acoustofluidics
• Theory and/or Simulation
• Other

2. Applications

• Environment
• Biology
• Medicine
• Energy
• Theory and/or Simulation
• Other

3. Manipulation, Transport and Control

• Acoustic Manipulation
• Liquid Transport, Jetting and Nebulisation
• Bubble and Cavity Acoustics
• Control Schemes
• Theory and/or Simulation
• Other

4. Physics

• New Phenomena and Mechanisms
• Acoustic Fields and Streaming
• Acoustic Thermal Effects and Energy
• Fluid-Structure Interactions
• Theory and/or Simulation
• Other

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