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High-efficiency dielectrophoretic ratchet

Wijnand Chr. Germs1, Erik M. Roeling1, Leo J. van IJzendoorn1, Barry Smalbrugge2, Tjibbe de Vries2, Erik Jan Geluk2, René A. J. Janssen1, and Martijn Kemerink1,*

  • 1Applied Physics, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
  • 2COBRA Research Institute, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands

  • *m.kemerink@tue.nl
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Phys. Rev. E 86, 041106 – Published 2 October, 2012

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.86.041106

Abstract

Brownian ratchets enable the use of thermal motion in performing useful work. They typically employ spatial asymmetry to rectify nondirected external forces that drive the system out of equilibrium (cf. running marbles on a shaking washboard). The major application foreseen for Brownian ratchets is high-selectivity fractionation of particle or molecule distributions. Here, we investigate the functioning of an important model system, the on/off ratchet for water-suspended particles, in which interdigitated finger electrodes can be switched on and off to create a time-dependent, spatially periodic but asymmetric potential. Surprisingly, we find that mainly dielectrophoretic rather than electrophoretic forces are responsible for the ratchet effect. This has major implications for the (a)symmetry of the ratchet potential and the settings needed for optimal performance. We demonstrate that by applying a potential offset the ratchet can be optimized such that its particle displacement efficiency reaches the theoretical upper limit corresponding to the electrode geometry and particle size. Efficient fractionation based on size selectivity is therefore not only possible for charged species, but also for uncharged ones, which greatly expands the applicability range of this type of Brownian ratchet.

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Phys. Rev. E 86, 041106– Published 2 October, 2012
  • Received 2 May 2012

©2012 American Physical Society

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