Rotation of non-spherical micro-particles by amplitude modulation of superimposed orthogonal ultrasonic modes.

Contactless rotation of non-spherical particles has been modeled and experimentally achieved using ultrasonic manipulation. For this purpose an acoustic radiation torque was generated by a time-varying pressure field resulting in a change of orientation of the potential well. The rotation method is based on amplitude modulation of two orthogonal ultrasonic modes. The force potential field has been used to evaluate the different modes and actuations to achieve rotation. Experiments have been performed in micro devices with copolymer particles and glass fibers at frequencies in the megahertz range. A continuous rotation was successfully demonstrated and the method allowed to stop the rotation at arbitrary angular positions.