Bubble dielectrophoresis

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Abstract
The force due to polarization exerted on dielectric particles, vapor or gas bubbles, and voids in insulating dielectric liquids is an example of dielectrophoresis. This force is directly proportional to the gradient of the electric field intensity. Bubbles and voids are attracted into regions of lower electric field intensity, while dielectric particles (with higher relative polarizability) are attracted into regions of higher electric field intensity. It is shown that local electric field intensity maxima cannot exist in space-charge-free electrostatic fields, while examples such as the three-dimensional quadrupole demonstrate the existence of local electric field intensity minima. Experimental investigation of the dielectrophoretic force on small gas bubbles (up to ∼1.0 mm in diameter) in insulating dielectric liquids shows that a simple model, which neglects bubble elongation effects, adequately describes the static and dynamic behavior. Experimental demonstration of a simple bubble trap which levitates and positions bubbles using dielectrophoresis is also provided. Applications of these bubble traps in laser target fabrication and zero-gravity space processing are envisioned.

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