Abstract
The author theoretically demonstrates a gel-free electrophoretic ratchet under a nearly unidirectional traveling electric field whose wavelength is much longer than the transverse dimension. Because of length scale separation, a charged particle can migrate synchronously or asynchronously with the field as if it was surfing on the wave. The author shows, with a dynamical phase portrait, that if the wave speed is slower than the characteristic electrophoretic velocity, a suspension of charged particles can be trapped into distinct particle bands synchronizing with the field. A tunable sieving capability of this ratchet provides the potential for continuous fractionation and characterization of colloidal suspensions.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 204103 |
Journal | Applied Physics Letters |
Volume | 90 |
Issue number | 20 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2007 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous)