Acoustically triggered nano/micro-scale propulsion devices
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsJoseph Wang, Sadik C. Esener, Daniel Kagan, Michael Benchimol, Jonathan Claussen
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Abstract
Techniques, devices and systems are disclosed for implementing acoustically triggered propulsion of nano- and micro-scale structures. In one aspect, an ultrasound responsive propulsion device includes a tube that includes one or more layers including an inner layer having an electrostatic surface, and an ultrasound-responsive substance coupled to the inner layer and configured to form gaseous bubbles in a fluid in response to an ultrasound pulse, in which the bubbles exit the tube to propel the tube to move in the fluid.
Claims43
An ultrasound responsive propulsion system, comprising:
- an ultrasound transducer that generates an ultrasound wave;
- a tube that includes one or more layers including an inner layer inside the tube having an electrostatic surface;
- and
- an ultrasound-responsive substance coupled to the inner layer and configured to form gaseous bubbles in a fluid in response to the ultrasound wave, wherein the bubbles exit the tube to propel the tube to move in the fluid.
A method of using a tubular structure to collect a target substance in a fluid, comprising:
- supplying a tube in a fluid medium, the tube including an ultrasound-responsive substance on an inner wall of the tube to generate gaseous bubbles in response to ultrasonic acoustic energy;
- applying an ultrasound pulse to cause vaporization of the ultrasound-responsive substance to form the gaseous bubbles and to propel the tube in the fluid medium;
- and
- using a molecular layer on an external surface of the tube to selectively collect a target substance in the fluid while the tube is propelled in the fluid.
A device to locomote in a fluid by acoustic energy, comprising:
- an ultrasound transducer to produce an external ultrasound pulse;
- two or more segments structured to form a rod having an interior cavity spanning from an opening at one end of the rod,
- wherein at least one of the segments includes an outer surface of a modifiable material capable of being functionalized,
- wherein the rod is structured to interact with the external ultrasound pulse to create a pressure gradient within the interior cavity to propel the device in the fluid.
A method of using a nanowire motor to collect a target substance in a fluid, comprising:
- supplying a rod in a fluid medium, the rod formed of two or more segments and including an interior cavity spanning from an opening at one end of the rod;
- applying an ultrasound pulse to create a pressure gradient within the internal cavity to propel the rod in the fluid medium;
- and
- using a molecular layer on an external surface of the rod to selectively collect a target substance in the fluid medium.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.