Induced molecular transport due to surface acoustic waves

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Abstract
An investigation into the possiblity of inducing a net transport of molecules via their interaction with a propagating surface acoustic wave is reported here. A theory is presented predicting such a transport and giving a formula for the pumping rate of a device consisting of two evacuated chambers connected by a channel of rectangular cross section containing a surface on which a surface acoustic wave is propagating. This formula gives the parametric dependence of the pumping rate on the wavelength, amplitude and velocity of the surface acoustic wave, and the mean molecular velocity of the gas. The results of an experimental investigation are also given. The experiment, conducted with air at approximately 3 μ and a surface acoustic wave on a lithium niobate substrate, confirms the existence of transport and gives a pumping rate which compares favorably with the theoretical prediction. Possible applications of this effect include its use in vacuum technology and studies of surfaces and surface interactions.

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