Optically Induced Electrohydrodynamics and Electrokinetic Colloidal Aggregation

Recently, we have demonstrated a novel optically induced AC electrokinetic technique that rapidly, continuously and selectively concentrates micro and nanoparticles on an electrode surface [1–3]. This is demonstrated with a highly focused near-infrared (1,064 nm) laser beam applied to parallel plate electrodes separated by 50 μm without the need for photosensitive materials. This dynamic optically-induced technique can be applied towards a variety of lab-on-a-chip applications. This paper will explain the fundamental physical mechanisms involved, necessary in order to replicate and implement this technique. This dynamic fluid and particle manipulation technique may prove valuable to a variety of applications in micro- and nanotechnology.