Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is manifested as liquid actuation on the top of dielectric-coated electrodes under AC voltage; upon voltage removal the liquid flow breaks into uniform droplets by capillary instability. In this book, Dr. Kai-Liang Wang and Prof. Thomas Jones study the DEP mechanism, and correlate and distinguish DEP and electrowetting. Both mechanisms have great potentials for lab-on-a-chip applications; however, integration of fluidic handling with miniaturized analytical or diagnostic modules imposes challenge on control mechanism. The objective of the authors is to implement timing-based and optical-sensing based dynamic control schemes on DEP devices, and to demonstrate advanced control strategies for high-speed liquid actuation and precision drop dispensing. This book provides an introduction to liquid electromechanics, and a protocol for microfluidic device fabrication and material selection. It also gives a reference for optical detection prototyping, and envisions a simple but practical path for developing novel microfluidic systems. It will be highly useful to graduate students, engineers and scientists in academia and in industry.

The author earned his PhD in Materials Science from the University of Rochester, where his research was focused on two major areas, electrowetting and dielectrophoresis. This book is based on his dissertation work of timing-based open-loop control and optical sensing-based feedback control for DEP actuation and droplet dispensing.