Tunable Acoustic Tweezer System for Precise Three-Dimensional Particle Manipulation

Abstract

This study introduces a tunable acoustic tweezer system designed for precise three-dimensional particle trapping and manipulation. The system utilizes a dual-liquid-layer acoustic lens, which enables the dynamic control of the focal length through the adjustable curvature of a latex membrane. This tunability is essential for generating the acoustic forces necessary for effective manipulation of particles, particularly along the direction of acoustic wave propagation (z-axis). Experiments conducted with spherical particles as small as 1.5 mm in diameter demonstrated the system’s capability for stable trapping and manipulation. Performance was rigorously evaluated through both z-axis and 3D manipulation tests. In the z-axis experiments, the system achieved a manipulation range of 33.4–53.4 mm, with a root-mean-square error and standard deviation of 0.044 ± 0.045 mm, which highlights its precision. Further, the 3D manipulation experiments showed that particles could be accurately guided along complex paths, including multilayer rectangular and helical trajectories, with minimal deviation. A visual feedback-based particle navigation system significantly enhanced positional accuracy, reducing errors relative to open-loop control. These results confirm that the tunable acoustic tweezer system is a robust tool for applications requiring precise control of particles with diameter of 1.5 mm in three-dimensional environments. Considering its ability to dynamically adjust the focal point and maintain stable trapping, this system is well suited for tasks demanding high precision, such as targeted particle delivery and other applications involving advanced material manipulation.