Multi-frequency characterisation of a chip for microbubble trapping

Chris Fury1,2, Pierre N. Glat1,3, Philip H. Jones2, Gianluca Memoli1

Department of Acoustics, National Physical Laboratory , Teddington, UK 2 Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, London, UK 3 Department of Mechanical engineering, University College London, London, UK
1

Introduction
The characterisation of a resonant acoustofluidic chip is the first step towards its use for particle trapping. As device complexity increases, however, it becomes more and more difficult to match experimental findings with predictive theory, especially in terms of determining the optimal trapping frequencies and the acoustic pressures acting during manipulation. In this work, the authors characterise an acoustically actuated microchannel over a relatively large range of frequencies using simultaneously: 1. laser vibrometry; 2. finite-elements modelling (FEM) ; 3. microscope visual observation. Comparison with analytical theories (i.e. Lamb, Rayleigh and Love-Kirchhoff dispersion curves) led to a non-invasive method of monitoring the pressure distribution inside the microchannel.

Experimental set-up
Two types of glass structures: (a)  50x50x3 mm square sample, without microchannels, for testing (b)  25x20x2.5 mm chip, with a water-filled K-shaped michrochannel, for 1D manipulation B  oth were actuated with a piezo transducer bonded in a corner, excited at 70-230 kHz A  Polytec PSV-400 laser vibrometer was used to measure the velocity perpendicular to the top surface (0.17 mm above the channel) in the direction of the channel

(a)

(b)
(3) (2)

(2)

(1)

(1) 300x430 mm microchannel, (2) fluid in/out ports, (3) piezo transducer

Laser vibrometer test chip

FE Modelling spectral response

 A FEM model of the microfluidic chip was generated using PAFEC in the range 130-180 kHz with 1 V excitation voltage (500 Hz spacing).  The model included the water inlet holes and the excitation transducer.  The mesh was optimised using CATIA v5 Advanced Meshing Tools.

100 kHz

112 kHz

162 kHz

240 kHz

Peaks in the FE modelled spectrum (kHz): 134, 142.5, 148, 164, 171.5, 173, 179
134 kHz Displacement 164 kHz 171.5 kHz 179 kHz

 Wave speeds were measured from wavelengths and excitation frequencies.  Measured speeds were compared with the one expected for Rayleigh, Lamb and Love-Kirchhoff waves.  Results on the square chip were compatible with Lamb asymmetric theory, at least for wd/vsear<1.1
Non-dimensional representation of dispersion curves (d=3mm)

Pressure

Max: 610kPa

Max: 130kPa

Max: 2.9kPa

Max: 5.2kPa

Peaks in the measured impedance (kHz): 134, 142, 156, 162, 172,178.5, 188

Laser vibrometer full chip

FE Modelling calibration
Measurement 162 kHz

130 kHz

180 kHz

Measurement procedure: wavelength was acquired along the direction defined by the microchannel. Non-dimensional representation of dispersion curves (d=2.5mm).

Model

162 kHz (0.76)

The RMS velocity profile measured on the top surface at 162 kHz was cross-correlated with the modelled profiles, to find the pair with the highest similarity.

This procedure identified either the model at 164kHz (4 traps in the main channel) or the one at 171.5kHz (5 traps in the main channel) as the most similar.

a) M  easured wave speeds follow Lamb asymmetric theory for wd/vsear<1

70 kHz (0.33) 81 kHz (0.38)

104 kHz (0.49)

b)  They are compatible with RoseKirchoff theory when wd/vsear<1.1 c)  12 kHz wide peaks were observed on the general trend, centered respectively at 67, 104 and 162 kHz

 For the final identification, the microfluidic chip was filled with ExpancelTM spheres (5-10 mm diameter)  A voltage of 90V was applied to the transducer at and aggregation was observed at 163.4 kHz in 5 positions along the main channel, finally pairing measurements and model.

The wavelength on top of the microchannel was obtained from FE modelling like in the measurements. The predicted wave speed also shows a peak in the dispersion curve, confirming a close correspondence between model and measurements.

146 kHz (0.69)

180 kHz (0.85)

250 kHz (1.2)

Conclusions
This study demonstrated a procedure to characterise an acoustofluidic device, based on the comparison of theoretical and experimental results over a large range of frequencies. The procedure identified particular structures in the dispersion spectrum, that allowed a non-invasive determination of the trapping frequencies and, through comparison with the model, of the unperturbed pressure distribution inside the acoustically activated microchannel manifold. Using a laser vibrometer on the external surface is a potentially better (i.e. more precise) method than using a perturbing hydrophone: future studies will investigate uncertainties and compare these estimated values of pressure with the forces calculated tracking microbubble motion.

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d)  Aggregation of particles in the microfluidic chip was observed close to these frequencies