Alignment and rotation of Janus microparticles in response to acceleration
US10551610B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 2015 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 14, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2201/38
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Gravitational Janus microparticle having, a center-of-mass, a center-of-volume, and a non¬uniform density, wherein: the center-of-mass and the center-of-volume are distinct. When suspended in a fluid, the microparticle substantially aligns with either: i) the gravitational field; or ii) the direction of an acceleration, such that the Janus microparticle is in substantial rotation equilibrium. After perturbation from substantial rotational equilibrium, the Janus microparticle reversibly rotates to return to substantial rotational equilibrium. The gravitational Janus microparticle may comprise at least two portions, each having distinct physical and/or chemical characteristics, wherein at least one portion provides a detectable effect following rotation and alignment of the microparticle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.