Keywords

electrowetting, electrochemical diode, actuation, polarity dependence

Abstract

This work presents an electrowetting system in which the actuation direction depends on the polarity of the applied voltage. Since electrowetting response depends on the voltage squared, it is typically independent of voltage sign to first order. However, the introduction of an electrochemicaal diode into the equivalent electrical circuit permits polarity-dependent behavior. Electrochemical diodes were created by making holes in the dielectric. The aluminum electrodes passivate and prevent current flow in one direction, creating diode-like behavior with high breakdown voltage. The resulting actuation forces were directly measured and are of comparable magnitude for both actuation directions.

Original Publication Citation

N. B. Crane, A. Volinsky, P. Mishra, A. Rajadkar, M. Khodayari, “Bidirectional Electrowetting Actuation with Voltage Polarity Dependence,” Applied Physics Letters, Vol 96, March 2010, 104103.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2010-3

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/8094

Publisher

Applied Physics Letters

Language

English

College

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology

Department

Mechanical Engineering

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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