Automatic trajectory correction methods and systems for acoustic generated drops

A device for detecting and controlling charged droplets from a charged droplet generator, the device comprising:

• a sensing device having a first aperture formed therein from a first surface to a second surface, the sensing device comprising:
• a first conductive layer at the first surface;
• a second conductive layer at the second surface;
• a segmented sensor layer between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer;
• and
• first and second dielectric layers positioned on opposite surfaces of the segmented sensor layer insulating the segmented sensor layer from the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, wherein the segmented sensor layer comprises a plurality of segments positioned around a perimeter of the first aperture;
• a circuit element coupled to each of the plurality of segments of the segmented sensor layer, each segmented sensor layer providing an induced current to the circuit element;
• a control device having a second aperture formed therein, the control device comprising:
• a segmented control layer, wherein the segmented control layer comprises a second plurality of segments positioned around a perimeter of the second aperture;
• and
• a voltage controller coupled to each of the second plurality of segments of the segmented control layer, the voltage controller configured to apply voltages to each of the second plurality of segments, wherein the voltages are based on corresponding induced currents at the circuit element.

A method for sensing and controlling charged droplets from a charged droplet generator, the method comprising:

• directing a charged droplet toward a target and through a first aperture of a charged droplet detector;
• determining a plurality of values proportional to induced currents at the charged droplet detector, wherein the induced currents are generated as the charged droplet passes through the first aperture;
• directing the charged droplet through a second aperture of a charged droplet controller;
• and
• applying a set of voltages to the charged droplet controller as the charged droplet passes through the second aperture of the charged droplet detector, wherein voltages of the set of voltages are based on corresponding induced currents at the charged droplet detector.