From rectangular to diamond shape: on the three-dimensional and size-dependent transformation of patterns formed by single particles trapped in microfluidic acoustic tweezers.

Generally, the pattern formed by individual particles trapped inside a microfluidic chamber by a two-dimensional standing acoustic wave field has been considered only the result of the acoustic radiation force. Previous studies showed that particles can be trapped at the local minima and maxima of the first-order pressure and velocity fields. Thus, either a rectangular or a diamond pattern can be formed solely depending on the particle size, when the acoustic field is unchanged, and the material properties of the particles and the fluid are fixed. In this paper, we report about the co-existence of different patterns with particles of the same size. The actual shape of the patterns depends mainly on the ratio between particle diameter and wavelength. In addition, particles were found to be trapped at locations that coincide with the position of antinodes, even though the particles have a positive acoustic contrast factor. These phenomena imply that the trapping of individual particles cannot be described by the acoustic radiation force solely. Hence, further research is required, taking the viscous drag force caused by the fluid flow induced by the acoustic streaming effect into account.

Highly efficient passive Tesla valves for microfluidic applications.

A multistage optimization method is developed yielding Tesla valves that are efficient even at low flow rates, characteristic, e.g., for almost all microfluidic systems, where passive valves have intrinsic advantages over active ones. We report on optimized structures that show a diodicity of up to 1.8 already at flow rates of 20 µl s- 1 corresponding to a Reynolds number of 36. Centerpiece of the design is a topological optimization based on the finite element method. It is set-up to yield easy-to-fabricate valve structures with a small footprint that can be directly used in microfluidic systems. Our numerical two-dimensional optimization takes into account the finite height of the channel approximately by means of a so-called shallow-channel approximation. Based on the three-dimensionally extruded optimized designs, various test structures were fabricated using standard, widely available microsystem manufacturing techniques. The manufacturing process is described in detail since it can be used for the production of similar cost-effective microfluidic systems. For the experimentally fabricated chips, the efficiency of the different valve designs, i.e., the diodicity defined as the ratio of the measured pressure drops in backward and forward flow directions, respectively, is measured and compared to theoretical predictions obtained from full 3D calculations of the Tesla valves. Good agreement is found. In addition to the direct measurement of the diodicities, the flow profiles in the fabricated test structures are determined using a two-dimensional microscopic particle image velocimetry (µPIV) method. Again, a reasonable good agreement of the measured flow profiles with simulated predictions is observed.

Three-dimensional heating and patterning dynamics of particles in microscale acoustic tweezers.

Acoustic tweezers facilitate a noninvasive, contactless, and label-free method for the precise manipulation of micro objects, including biological cells. Although cells are exposed to mechanical and thermal stress, acoustic tweezers are usually considered as biocompatible. Here, we present a holistic experimental approach to reveal the correlation between acoustic fields, acoustophoretic motion and heating effects of particles induced by an acoustic tweezer setup. The system is based on surface acoustic waves and was characterized by applying laser Doppler vibrometry, astigmatism particle tracking velocimetry and luminescence lifetime imaging. In situ measurements with high spatial and temporal resolution reveal a three-dimensional particle patterning coinciding with the experimentally assisted numerical result of the acoustic radiation force distribution. In addition, a considerable and rapid heating up to 55 °C depending on specific parameters was observed. Although these temperatures may be harmful to living cells, counter-measures can be found as the time scales of patterning and heating are shown to be different.

On the acoustically induced fluid flow in particle separation systems employing standing surface acoustic waves - Part I.

By integrating surface acoustic waves (SAW) into microfluidic devices, microparticle systems can be fractionated precisely in flexible and easily scalable Lab-on-a-Chip platforms. The widely adopted driving mechanism behind this principle is the acoustic radiation force, which depends on the size and acoustic properties of the suspended particles. Superimposed fluid motion caused by the acoustic streaming effect can further manipulate particle trajectories and might have a negative influence on the fractionation result. A characterization of the crucial parameters that affect the pattern and scaling of the acoustically induced flow is thus essential for the design of acoustofluidic separation systems. For the first time, the fluid flow induced by pseudo-standing acoustic wave fields with a wavelength much smaller than the width of the confined microchannel is experimentally revealed in detail, using quantitative three-dimensional measurements of all three velocity components (3D3C). In Part I of this study, we focus on the fluid flow close to the center of the surface acoustic wave field, while in Part II the outer regions with strong acoustic gradients are investigated. By systematic variations of the SAW-wavelength λSAW and channel height H, a transition from vortex pairs extending over the entire channel width W to periodic flows resembling the pseudo-standing wave field is revealed. An adaptation of the electrical power, however, only affects the velocity scaling. Based on the experimental data, a validated numerical model was developed in which critical material parameters and boundary conditions were systematically adjusted. Considering a Navier slip length at the substrate-fluid interface, the simulations provide a strong agreement with the measured velocity data over a large frequency range and enable an energetic consideration of the first and second-order fields. Based on the results of this study, critical parameters were identified for the particle size as well as for channel height and width. Progress for the research on SAW-based separation systems is obtained not only by these findings but also by providing all experimental velocity data to allow for further developments on other sites.

On the acoustically induced fluid flow in particle separation systems employing standing surface acoustic waves - Part II.

Particle separation using surface acoustic waves (SAWs) has been a focus of ongoing research for several years, leading to promising technologies based on Lab-on-a-Chip devices. In many of them, scattering effects of acoustic waves on suspended particles are utilized to manipulate their motion by means of the acoustic radiation force (FARF). Due to viscous damping of radiated waves within a fluid, known as the acoustic streaming effect, a superimposed fluid flow is generated, which additionally affects the trajectories of the particles by drag forces. To evaluate the influence of this acoustically induced flow on the fractionation of suspended particles, the present study gives a deep insight into the pattern and scaling of the resulting vortex structures by quantitative three-dimensional, three component (3D3C) velocity measurements. Following the analysis of translationally invariant structures at the center of a pseudo-standing surface acoustic wave (sSAW) in Part I, the focus in Part II turns to the outer regions of acoustic actuation. The impact of key parameters on the formation of the outer vortices, such as the wavelength of the SAW λSAW, the channel height H and electrical power Pel, is investigated with respect to the design of corresponding separation systems. As a result of large gradients in the acoustic fields, broadly extended vortices are formed, which can cause a lateral displacement of particles and are thus essential for a holistic analysis of the flow phenomena. The interaction with an externally imposed main flow reveals local recirculation regions, while the extent of the vortices is quantified based on the displacement of the main flow.

Combining magnetic forces for contactless manipulation of fluids in microelectrode-microfluidic systems.

A novel method to drive and manipulate fluid in a contactless way in a microelectrode-microfluidic system is demonstrated by combining the Lorentz and magnetic field gradient forces. The method is based on the redox-reaction [Fe(CN)6]3-/[Fe(CN)6]4- performed in a magnetic field oriented perpendicular to the ionic current that crosses the gap between two arrays of oppositely polarized microelectrodes, generating a magnetohydrodynamic flow. Additionally, a movable magnetized CoFe micro-strip is placed at different positions beneath the gap. In this region, the magnetic flux density is changed locally and a strong magnetic field gradient is formed. The redox-reaction changes the magnetic susceptibility of the electrolyte near the electrodes, and the resulting magnetic field gradient exerts a force on the fluid, which leads to a deflection of the Lorentz force-driven main flow. Particle Image Velocity measurements and numerical simulations demonstrate that by combining the two magnetic forces, the flow is not only redirected, but also a local change of concentration of paramagnetic species is realized.

Marangoni convection at electrogenerated hydrogen bubbles.

Electrolytic gas evolution is a fundamental phenomenon occurring in a large number of industrial applications. In these processes gas bubbles are formed at the electrode from a supersaturated solution. Since dissolved gases can change the surface tension, a gas concentration gradient may cause the surface tension to vary locally at the interface of the gas bubble. Surface tension gradients may also form due to temperature gradients generated by ohmic heating of the electrolyte. In both cases, the resulting shear stress imposes a convection in the electrolyte and the gas bubble (Marangoni effect). This phenomenon may influence the entire electrolytic gas evolution process, e.g., by an enhanced mass transfer. In this study, the first evidence of the Marangoni convection near growing hydrogen bubbles, generated by water electrolysis, is provided. Microscopic high speed imaging was applied to study the evolution of single hydrogen bubbles at a microelectrode. The convection near the interface of the growing bubble was measured by using a time-resolved Particle Tracking Velocimetry (PTV) technique. The results indicate a clear correlation between the magnitude of the Marangoni convection and the electric current.

3D measurement and simulation of surface acoustic wave driven fluid motion: a comparison.

The characterisation of the fluid motion induced by the acoustic streaming effect is of paramount interest for novel microfluidic devices based on surface acoustic waves (SAWs), e.g. for a detailed description of the achievable mixing efficiency and thus the design of such devices. Here, we present for the first time a quantitative 3D comparison between experimental measurements and numerical simulations of the acoustic streaming induced fluid flow inside a microchannel originating from a SAW. On the one hand, we performed fully three-dimensional velocity measurements using the astigmatism particle tracking velocimetry. On the other hand, we derived a novel streaming force approach solving the damped wave equation, which allows fast and easy 3D simulations of the acoustic streaming induced fluid flow. Furthermore, measurements of the SAW amplitude profile inside the fluid filled microchannel were performed. Based on these results, we obtained a very good agreement between the velocity measurements and the simulations of the fluid flow demonstrating the importance of comprising the actual shape of the SAW amplitude profile for quantitatively reliable simulations. It is shown that the novel streaming force approach is a valid approximation for the simulation of the acoustic streaming induced fluid flow, allowing a rapid and simple estimation of the flow field of SAW based microfluidic devices.

Simultaneous three-dimensional temperature and velocity field measurements using astigmatic imaging of non-encapsulated thermo-liquid crystal (TLC) particles.

A combination of cutting edge developments is presented to characterize three-dimensional (3D) temperature and velocity fields in microscopic flows. An emulsion of non-encapsulated thermo-liquid crystal (TLC) micro spheres, with a narrow size distribution is used to track the flow's motion and temperature distribution. A state-of-the-art light engine, which combines the spectrum of six light pipes, provides a balanced illumination which allows for strong and detectable color patterns across the TLC's temperature response range. Lastly, the ability of the TLC material to reflect select wavelength bands with an unchanging and independent circular polarization chirality is exploited by a filter that blocks background noise, while exclusively transmitting the color signal of the TLC particles. This approach takes advantage of the peculiar physical properties of TLCs to allow the estimation of individual TLC particle's 3D position, for the first time, using Astigmatism Particle Tracking Velocimetry (APTV).

Logarithmic boundary layers in strong Taylor-Couette turbulence.

We provide direct measurements of the boundary layer properties in highly turbulent Taylor-Couette flow up to Re=2×106) (Ta=6.2×10(12)) using high-resolution particle image velocimetry and particle tracking velocimetry. We find that the mean azimuthal velocity profile at the inner and outer cylinder can be fitted by the von Kármán log law u+=1/κ lny+ +B. The von Kármán constant κ is found to depend on the driving strength Ta and for large Ta asymptotically approaches κ≈0.40. The variance profiles of the local azimuthal velocity have a universal peak around y+≈12 and collapse when rescaled with the driving velocity (and not with the friction velocity), displaying a log dependence of y+ as also found for channel and pipe flows.

Parallax correction for precise near-wall flow investigations using particle imaging.

For the basic understanding of turbulence generation in wall-bounded flows, precise measurements of the mean velocity profile and the mean velocity fluctuations very close to the wall are essential. Therefore, three techniques are established for high-resolution velocity profile measurements close to solid surfaces: (1) the nanoprobe sensor developed at Princeton University, which is a miniaturization of a classical hot-wire probe [Exp. Fluids 51, 1521 (2011)]; (2) the laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) profile sensor, which allows measurement of the location of the particles inside the probe volume using a superposition of two fringe systems [Exp. Fluids 40, 473 (2006)]; and (3) the combination of particle image velocimetry and tracking techniques (PIV/PTV), which identify the location and velocity of submicrometer particles within the flow with digital imaging techniques [Exp. Fluids 52, 1641 (2006)]. The last technique is usually considered less accurate and precise than the other two. However, in addition to the measurement precision, the effect of the probe size, the position error, and errors due to vibrations of the model, test facility, or measurement equipment have to be considered. Taking these into account, the overall accuracy of the PTV technique can be superior, as all these effects can be compensated for. However, for very accurate PTV measurements close to walls, it is necessary to compensate the perspective error, which occurs for particles not located on the optical axis. In this paper, we outline a detailed analysis for this bias error and procedures for its compensation. To demonstrate the capability of the approach, we measured a turbulent boundary layer at Re(δ)=0.4×10(6) and applied the proposed methods.

Clarifying the mechanism of reverse structuring during electrodeposition in magnetic gradient fields.

Deviating from the common expectation, magnetoelectrochemical structuring during deposition of diamagnetic ions was demonstrated, very recently. To achieve this, electrochemically inert paramagnetic ions have to be added to the electrolyte and the deposition has to be performed in a magnetic gradient field. A reverse structuring occurs, yielding thinner deposits near high gradient regions. In this paper we aim to clarify the mechanism of this reverse structuring. Potentiodynamic and potentiostatic investigations were performed, including measurements of the deposited mass with an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM). The convection of the electrolyte was studied in situ by astigmatism particle tracking velocimetry (APTV). It was revealed that during the reverse structuring a convection is induced in the electrolyte, which is directed away from the working electrode in regions of high magnetic gradients. Due to this additional convection, the overall deposition rate is increased, whereby it is locally reduced in regions of high magnetic gradients. The mechanism for reverse structuring is discussed in detail. Also, the influence of all relevant magnetic forces is addressed.

In situ analysis of three-dimensional electrolyte convection evolving during the electrodeposition of copper in magnetic gradient fields.

A novel three-dimensional particle tracking velocimetry technique was used to examine the flow during electrodeposition of Cu. For the first time electrode-normal, circumferential, and radial velocities were spatially resolved during deposition in superimposed low and high magnetic gradient fields. In this way the complex interaction of magnetic field gradient force and Lorentz force induced convective effects could be measured and analyzed. Magnetic field gradient force induced electrolyte flow was detected only in high gradient magnetic fields, and it was found to be directed toward regions of gradient maxima. Since this electrode-normal flow causes enhanced transport of Cu(2+) ions from the bulk electrolyte to those regions of the working electrode where maxima of magnetic gradients are present, a structured deposit is formed during diffusion-limited electrodeposition. Lorentz force driven convection was observed during deposition in the low and the high magnetic gradient experiments. The overall fluid motion and the convection near the working electrode were determined experimentally and discussed with regard to the acting magnetic forces and numerical simulations.