Metzmacher Jean, Delens Megan, Vandewalle Nicolas
GRASP, Institute of Physics B5a, University of Liège, B4000, Liège, Belgium.
Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 1;15(1):20617. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-06413-y.
The manipulation of small floating objects represents a crucial step in mesoscale and microfabrication, or the self-aggregation of particles into functional devices. These tiny objects placed at a liquid-air interface interact due to the local liquid slopes created by their menisci. In this study, we present Dipolar Capillary Actuators (DCA), which can modify the local slope of the interface on demand thanks to the magnetic and capillary torque balance. We experimentally characterize these systems and provide a model to describe their ability to alter liquid slopes. These tiny DCA devices can attract or repel a large range of floating particles with various size, shape and wettability. We present a proof-of-concept system comprising six DCAs arranged in a ring that serves as a capillary trap, tweezers, and ratchet.
对小型漂浮物体的操控是中尺度和微纳制造中的关键步骤，或者说是粒子自组装成功能器件的关键步骤。这些置于液 - 气界面的微小物体，会因其弯月面产生的局部液体斜率而相互作用。在本研究中，我们展示了偶极毛细管致动器（DCA），它借助磁扭矩和毛细管扭矩平衡，能够按需改变界面的局部斜率。我们通过实验对这些系统进行了表征，并提供了一个模型来描述它们改变液体斜率的能力。这些微小的DCA器件能够吸引或排斥各种尺寸、形状和润湿性的大量漂浮粒子。我们展示了一个概念验证系统，它由六个排列成环形的DCA组成，可作为毛细管阱、镊子和棘轮使用。
