ratchet – TechConnect Briefs

Dielectrophoretic ratchets for linear and rotary nanomotors

Hughes M.P., Astumian R.D., University of Surrey, UK

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a phemomenon of induced particle motion in non-uniform electric fields. In this paper, we will describe how the phenomenon can be used to design electrokinetic ratchet devices to provide both linear and [...]

Separation of Long Polyelectrolytes in a Microfuluidic Channel with Constrictions: A Monte Carlo Study

Tessier F., Slater G.W., University of Ottawa, CA

We present Monte Carlo simulation results for the motion of long linear polyelectrolytes inside a microchannel of molecular dimensions, structured as a periodic array of wells linked by narrow constrictions. Molecules are driven in the [...]

Separation of Long Polyelectrolytes in a Microfuluidic Channel with Constrictions: A Monte Carlo Study

Tessier F., Slater G.W., University of Ottawa, CA

We present Monte Carlo simulation results for the motion of long linear polyelectrolytes inside a microchannel of molecular dimensions, structured as a periodic array of wells linked by narrow constrictions. Molecules are driven in the [...]

Torsional Ratcheting Actuating System

Barnes S.M., Miller S.L., Rodgers M.S., Bitsie F., Sandia National Laboratories, US

A new type of surface micromachined ratcheting actuation system has been developed at the Microelectronics Development Laboratory at Sandia National Laboratories. The actuator uses a torsional electrostatic comb drive that is coupled to an external [...]