Noncontact manipulation of objects using ultrasound

Abstract

It is possible to levitate and manipulate objects without contact by utilizing the radiation force of ultrasound. In this paper, I introduce the concept of a noncontact manipulation device utilizing ultrasound. The generation of resonant modes in solids and enclosed media enables the efficient levitation of objects. The acoustic fields, the acoustic radiation forces acting on objects, and the positions at which the objects are trapped can be predicted by numerical simulations using the finite element method, thereby providing crucial insights for the design of the device. The positions of trapped objects can be controlled on various trajectories by adjusting the acoustic fields in a timely and spatially precise manner.