Fluidic channel based on a filtered, free-space electromagnetic wave source
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorsBienvenido Melvin L. Pascoguin, Ryan P. Lu, Ayax D. Ramirez
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Abstract
A fluid-channeling device comprising: a fluid source; and a beam generator configured to generate a collimated vortex beam, wherein the beam generator is operatively coupled to the fluid source such that fluid from the fluid source may be introduced into a vortex of the collimated vortex beam, and wherein the collimated vortex beam is tuned such that when the fluid is in the vortex the fluid interacts with the collimated vortex beam to create an insulating pseudo-wall between the collimated vortex beam and the fluid such that the fluid is suspended in, and capable of traveling through, the vortex.
Claims20
A fluid-channeling device comprising:
- a fluid source;
- and
- a beam generator configured to generate a collimated vortex beam, wherein the beam generator is operatively coupled to the fluid source such that fluid from the fluid source may be introduced into a vortex of the collimated vortex beam, and wherein the collimated vortex beam is tuned such that when the fluid is in the vortex the fluid interacts with the collimated vortex beam to create an insulating pseudo-wall between the collimated vortex beam and the fluid such that the fluid is suspended in, and capable of traveling through, the vortex.
A method for transporting a first fluid, comprising the following steps:
- generating a first optical beam;
- filtering the first optical beam to create a collimated vortex beam having a radiation pressure greater than or equal to a vapor pressure of the first fluid, and wherein the temperature of the collimated vortex beam is greater than, or equal to, the Leidenfrost point of the first fluid;
- injecting the first fluid into the vortex of the collimated vortex beam such that the first fluid is suspended within the vortex due to the Leidenfrost effect by a layer of first fluid vapor/gas;
- and
- driving the first fluid through the vortex along the path of the collimated vortex beam by pumping a pulse of gas along the propagation path of the collimated vortex beam.
A microfluidic-channeling device comprising:
- a beam generator configured to output a first optical beam;
- a filter configured to transform the first optical beam into a collimated vortex beam;
- a fluid injector configured to inject a fluid into the vortex of the collimated vortex beam, wherein the temperature of the collimated vortex beam is greater than, or equal to, the Leidenfrost point of the fluid, and wherein the collimated vortex beam has a radiation pressure greater than or equal to a vapor pressure of the fluid, such that the fluid is held within, and is capable of moving through, the vortex due to the Leidenfrost effect;
- and
- a fluid receiver optically aligned with the collimated vortex beam and configured to receive the fluid from the vortex.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.