Graduation Year
2010
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
M.S.M.E.
Degree Granting Department
Mechanical Engineering
Major Professor
Nathan B. Crane, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Rasim Guldiken, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Craig Lusk, Ph.D.
Keywords
EWOD, Lab-on-a-chip, Digitial Microfluidics, MEMS, Fluidic Actuation
Abstract
Electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) is a technique for reducing the apparent contact angle of a fluid droplet, which has many promising applications in the fields of optics, digital displays, and lab-on-a-chip research. In this thesis, a design is presented for a novel single circuit device for achieving continuous droplet motion, by using the current-rectifying properties of valve metals to create diode-like behavior. This contrasts with existing designs, which require an array of individual electrodes to achieve motion in discrete steps. We are able to demonstrate continuous droplet motion across a 28mm-long test strip with an applied voltage of 303 V and a velocity of 5.59 mm/s (at 370 V) using an ionic-fluid electrolyte (BMIM-PF6), and have achieved actuation at as low as 185 V, with a maximum observed velocity (at 300 V) of 13.8 mm/s using a 1M sodium sulfate solution.
Scholar Commons Citation
Lynch, Corey M., "Continuous Electrowetting Actuation Utilizing Current Rectification Properties of Valve Metal Films" (2010). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/3519
