Particle moving apparatus and method for moving a particle in a liquid

Abstract

Methods, systems, and apparatuses for nanowire deposition are provided. A deposition system includes an enclosed flow channel, an inlet port, and an electrical signal source. The inlet port provides a suspension that includes nanowires into the channel. The electrical signal source is coupled to an electrode pair in the channel to generate an electric field to associate at least one nanowire from the suspension with the electrode pair. The deposition system may include various further features, including being configured to receive multiple solution types, having various electrode geometries, having a rotatable flow channel, having additional electrical conductors, and further aspects.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A particle moving apparatus, comprising:
 a container configured to contain a liquid containing a particle;   a first electrode and a second electrode both of which are disposed in the container and at least one of which is coated with a dielectric material; and   an alternating-current generator configured to apply an asymmetric alternating voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode,   in a case where (i) the first electrode and the second electrode have both been immersed in the liquid and (ii) the alternating-current generator has applied the alternating voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, the particle being moved in a direction from the first electrode to the second electrode or a direction from the second electrode to the first electrode.   
     
     
         2 . A method for moving a particle in a liquid,
 the method comprising the successive steps of:   preparing a first electrode and a second electrode at least one of which is coated with a dielectric material;   providing a liquid between the first electrode and the second electrode; and   applying an asymmetric alternating voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode so as to move a particle in the liquid in a direction from the first electrode to the second electrode or a direction from the second electrode to the first electrode.