Ferroelectric apparatus for dielectrophoresis particle extraction

Apparatus for generating a periodic non-uniform electric field, external to the field-genrating electrodes, comprising

• a. a ferroelectric material, polarizable in directions perpendicular to the surface of the ferroelectric material;
• the ferroelectric material comprising at least one portion, the direction of polarization of which is to be alternated during generation of the periodic non-uniform electric field, and at least another portion, the direction of polarization of which is to remain the same during generation of the periodic non-uniform electric field;
• b. a plurality of electrodes, applied to opposite sides of the ferroelectric material, covering both sides of the portions of the ferroelectric material, the direction of polarization of which is to be alternated during generation of the periodic non-uniform electric field, but leaving uncovered at least one side of the portions of the ferroelectric material so as to produce a non-uniform electric field, the direction of polarization of which is to remain the same during generation of the periodic non-uniform electric field, defining a location external to the field-generating electrodes and adjacent the boundary between the alternately polarized portions of the ferroelectric material, in which the periodic non-uniform electric field is to be generated;
• and
• c. means for providing alternating potential to the electrodes
• 1. for alternating the direction of polarization of the covered portions of the ferroelectric material and leaving polarized in their original direction, the uncovered portions of the ferroelectric material;
• 2. for producing periodically alternately polarized portions of the ferroelectric material;
• and
• 3. for generating a periodic non-uniform electric field external to the field-generating electrodes, in the location adjacent the boundary between the alternately polarized portions of the ferroelectric material.