System and method for electrowetting actuation utilizing diodes
US9182591B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 28, 2014 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 28, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B21/32
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An electrowetting system and method for the movement of a droplet across the surface of a substrate, utilizing an applied voltage. The actuation of the droplet is achieved by introducing a diode into the idealized electrical circuit of the electrowetting system. The diode is in parallel with a capacitor (dielectric) and effectively shorts the droplet on the side of a lower potential electrode so that the entire voltage drop is across the dielectric over the higher potential electrode. This difference in potential creates an energy imbalance that is effective in moving the droplet towards the higher potential electrode. If the voltage polarity is reversed, the direction of actuation will also be reversed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.