These new switches are able to be mechanically actuated by the very low mass and momentum (~4 × 10 −6 kg ms −1) of a LM. In our design the data signals are represented by LMs, and the result of the computation is displayed in the positioning of the bi-stable flip-flop actuators. As such we have developed a sequential mechanical computing device, based on our new LM-actuated flip-flop switch, to demonstrate the new flip-flop actuator. Whilst this has been achieved with the use of magnetic LMs and synchronised electromagnets, it places an additional burden on the experimental computational setup. This collision-based system, however, requires the precise synchronisation of the data signals (i.e. This, combined with the ease of tuning a LM’s core and coating, allows for an elegant system.
#Liquid notes logic free
In a pure collision-based computer the LMs can move about in free space, momentarily ‘creating wires’ as required. By having two LMs approaching each other from different directions, computation would be performed once the LMs collide and resultantly change direction conversely if there is only one LM, then there is no collision and no change in direction. In this, the Boolean value true was portrayed by the presence of a LM and false was portrayed by the absence of a LM. Previously reported computation with LMs has utilised a conservative logic collision-based approach in the construction of an interaction gate 17. For example, LMs have been used as micro-incubators for the viable growth of mammalian embryonic stem cells 15 for rapid blood-typing assays by injection of antibodies into a “blood-marble” 16 and as signals in mechanical collision-based computation 17. Due to the steadily increasing widespread interest in LMs 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, there are reports of their use in a number of fields. By encapsulating one’s reaction in a LM, the reaction is conducted quickly, cheaply and with great ease of parallelisation (allowing for potential use in high-throughput screening). Another well-documented use of LMs is as miniature chemical-reactors 8. The advantages to microfluidics are obvious 3, and are increased by the high-mobility and variability of LM manipulation: controlled movement of LMs has been demonstrated using lasers 4, magnets 5, electrostatic-forces 6, the Marangoni effect 7, and gravity 1. This phenomenon results in the ability to easily transport microlitre quantities of liquid around, with zero loss due to surface adhering/wetting. Whilst an aqueous droplet with a hydrophobic particle coating is by far the most common form of a LM, there are also examples using an organic liquid core and oleophobic coating 2. Due to the hydrophobic nature of this powder, the minimal energy profile of the water droplet results in a near-spherical coated droplet, that does not wet hydrophilic surfaces. Also known (less theatrically) as particle-coated droplets, the liquid is typically aqueous and the powder coating has a degree of hydrophobicity - resulting in non-wetting of said powder. Liquid Marbles (LMs) are small droplets of liquid that have been coated in a nano- or micro-powder 1. The actuator can be operated solely by gravity, giving it potential use in point-of-care devices in low resource areas. This lightweight, cheap and versatile actuator has been demonstrated in the design and construction of a LM-operated mechanical multiplication device - establishing its effectiveness. This distributing effect can be easily cascaded, for example to evenly divide sequential LMs down four different paths. Due to the rocking motion of the switch, sequential LMs are distributed along different channels, allowing for sequential LMs to traverse parallel paths. The actuator was laser-cut from cast acrylic, held on a PTFE coated pivot, and used a PTFE washer.
Shaped loosely like a triangle, the actuating switch pivots from one bistable position to another, being actuated by the very low mass and momentum of a LM rolling under gravity (~4 × 10 −6 kg ms −1). A mechanical flip-flop actuator has been developed that allows for the facile re-routing and distribution of liquid marbles (LMs) in digital microfluidic devices.
0 kommentar(er)
