Steering Micromotors via Reprogrammable Optoelectronic Paths

Xi Chen, Xiaowen Chen, Mohamed Elsayed, Harrison Edwards, Jiayu Liu, Yixin Peng, H. P. Zhang*, Shuailong Zhang*, Wei Wang*, Aaron R. Wheeler*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Steering micromotors is important for using them in practical applications and as model systems for active matter. This functionality often requires magnetic materials in the micromotor, taxis behavior of the micromotor, or the use of specifically designed physical boundaries. Here, we develop an optoelectronic strategy that steers micromotors with programmable light patterns. In this strategy, light illumination turns hydrogenated amorphous silicon conductive, generating local electric field maxima at the edge of the light pattern that attracts micromotors via positive dielectrophoresis. As an example, metallo-dielectric Janus microspheres that self-propelled under alternating current electric fields were steered by static light patterns along customized paths and through complex microstructures. Their long-term directionality was also rectified by ratchet-shaped light patterns. Furthermore, dynamic light patterns that varied in space and time enabled more advanced motion controls such as multiple motion modes, parallel control of multiple micromotors, and the collection and transport of motor swarms. This optoelectronic steering strategy is highly versatile and compatible with a variety of micromotors, and thus it possesses the potential for their programmable control in complex environments.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5894-5904
Number of pages11
JournalACS Nano
Volume17
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Mar 2023

Keywords

  • confinement
  • dielectrophoresis
  • direction control
  • micromotor
  • optoelectronic tweezers

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