Droplet ejector using surface acoustic waves

Compact SAW aerosol generator

“…As a certain amplitude threshold has to be reached in order to start atomization, the position of that threshold amplitude and, thus, the atomization zone moves closer to the channel outlet for increased SAW power. As the fluid film properties depend on the local conditions at the atomization zone, also the aerosol properties including the droplet size are influenced by the SAW power (Collins et al, 2012 ; Bennes et al, 2005 ). Additionally, the wave field regions not covered by a fluid film do not support fluid atomization and the excess SAW power may promote parasitic heating.…”

Design of efficient focused surface acoustic wave devices for potential microfluidic applications

“…In particular, microfluidic devices can be used to obtain a variety of interesting measurements including molecular diffusion coefficients, fluid viscosity, pH, chemical binding coefficients, and enzyme reaction kinetics. [6][7][8][9] Other potential applications for microfluidic devices include capillary electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, immunoassays, flow cytometry, sample injection of proteins for analysis via mass spectrometry, polymerase chain reaction ͑PCR͒ amplification, DNA analysis, cell manipulation, cell separation, cell patterning, and chemical gradient formation. [10][11][12][13][14] Several of these applications have utility for clinical diagnostics.…”

Acoustic Wave Based Microfluidics and Lab-on-a-Chip

“…The ejection angle of tiny droplets escaping from the host liquid is determined by the Rayleigh angle, but affected by the RF power and height of the mist [83]. In order to generate a continuous mist on demand, there must be a continuous supply of liquid which can be realized by using a porous structure such as a filter paper linked to a large liquid reservoir as shown in Fig.…”