Work

MightyLev: An acoustic levitator for high-temperature containerless processing of medium- to high-density materials

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: "MightyLev," a new multi-emitter ultrasonic acoustic levitation device capable of extremely stable levitation of materials of density up to at least 11.3 g cm-3, is described. The exceptional stability of medium- to high-density samples levitated in MightyLev makes the device highly suitable for chemical and structural analysis using micro-focused spectroscopic and x-ray scattering techniques. In combination with mid-infrared laser heating, MightyLev is capable of levitating metallic and oxide materials during high-temperature cycling and melting above 1500 K. Instabilities in particle confinement during heating were investigated by directly visualizing the acoustic field using schlieren imaging. The results reveal jets of hot-air directed along the anti-nodes of the acoustic field. The reaction force on the sample from the jet, coupled with the restoring force of the acoustic trap, generates a parametric lateral oscillation of the sample. This result provides valuable insight for future optimization and wider application of acoustic levitation for high-temperature containerless material processing.

Source: Review of Scientific Instruments

DOI: 10.1063/5.0221899

Authors: James W. E. Drewitt, Barnaby Emmens, Zhe-Hui Kong, Bruce W. Drinkwater, Adrian C. Barnes

Institution: University of Bristol

Language: English

Topic: Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

Awards: G1472429959, Fabrication of novel glasses and glass micro-spheres by acoustic levitation and laser heating.