Controlled electrocoalescence in microfluidics: Targeting a single lamella
Abstract
Electrocoalescence of aqueous droplets is investigated as a tool for microfluidic processing. Where droplets are separated by only thin lamellae, coalescence can be induced on demand within a fraction of a millisecond at low potentials (few volts). The authors show that in their approach electrocoalescence proceeds through an electric-field-induced dynamic instability of the oil/water interface. When the electrode geometry and applied potential are optimized, individual lamellae can be targeted for rupture within highly ordered droplet arrangements.
- Publication:
-
Applied Physics Letters
- Pub Date:
- September 2006
- DOI:
- 10.1063/1.2357039
- Bibcode:
- 2006ApPhL..89m4101P
- Keywords:
-
- 47.85.Np;
- 47.55.df;
- 47.20.-k;
- Fluidics;
- Breakup and coalescence;
- Flow instabilities