Abstract
This study is a first step in developing a three-dimensional separation and classification system in a minichannel in which 60 electrodes are embedded in a three-dimensional arrangement. Particle velocities driven by the dielectrophoresis (DEP) force are measured in a simplified minichannel with electric field intensities from E=±1 V/mm to ±5 V/mm, electric field frequencies from ƒ=1 kHz to ƒ=1 MHz, and particles with diameter of d=1.3 μm, 1.5 μm and 2.0 μm. Both the DEP force and the particle velocities increase as the particle diameter increases. In addition, particles have higher velocities when higherelectric field intensities are applied.
Electrodes two dimensional are used for DEP in the research of the past. Moreover, the plane electrode of the wedge place is used to generate DEP positively. The possibility of a three dimensional operation was confirmed by using the parallel plate electrode array in this research.
