Comprehensive analysis of particle motion under non-uniform AC electric fields in a microchannel

Abstract

AC electrokinetics is rapidly becoming a foundational tool for lab-on-a-chip systems due to its versatility and the simplicity of the components capable of generating them. Predicting the behavior of fluids and particles under non-uniform AC electric fields is important for the design of next generation devices. Though there are several important phenomena that contribute to the overall behavior of particles and fluids, current predictive techniques consider special conditions where only a single phenomenon may be considered. We report a 2D numerical simulation, using COMSOL Multiphysics, which incorporates the three major AC electrokinetic phenomena (dielectrophoresis, AC electroosmosis and electrothermal effect) and is valid for a wide range of operational conditions. Corroboration has been performed using experimental conditions that mimic those of the simulation and shows good qualitative agreement. Furthermore, a broad range of experiments has been performed using four of the most widely reported devices under varying conditions in order to show their behavior as it relates to the simulation. The large number of experimental conditions reported, together with the comprehensive numerical simulation, will help provide guidelines for scientists and engineers interested in incorporating AC electrokinetics into their lab-on-a-chip systems.