Variable inductor through electrochemically controlled capillarity

Abstract

Embodiments herein describe a variable inductor containing a capillary. The capillary includes an eutectic conductive liquid (e.g., EGaIn) containing suspended magnetic particles and an electrolyte (e.g., NaOH). In one embodiment, the variable inductor has a pair of electrodes (e.g., negative and positive electrodes) at the respective ends of the capillary to seal the eutectic conductive liquid and the electrolyte. The variable inductor also includes an inductor coil disposed around the capillary, and the inductor coil is connected to a circuit and provides inductance for the connected circuit. Using a DC voltage between the pair of electrodes, the eutectic conductive liquid can extend inside the capillary, which in turn, causes the variable inductor to have a desired inductance.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.