RESPONSIVE SUBSTRATES TOWARD MOBILIZATION OF LIQUID METAL RF DEVICES
Abstract
Liquid metals are non-toxic materials that can be utilized for transferring electric signals in radio frequency (RF) devices with high electrical conductivity. To achieve tunable liquid metal RF devices, on-chip control of liquid metal flow is desirable in microfluidic channels. Here, we propose employing magneto-responsive micropillar arrays as responsive substrates to secure directed pillar bending and the resultant liquid metal spreading. In addition to magnetic actuation, we propose utilizing thermal- or light-responsive liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) to actuate and control the flow of liquid metal in microfluidic channels. We will demonstrate feasibility and programmable capability in tunable RF devices through contactless manipulation of programmable anisotropic materials.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 11, 2021
- Source ID
- FA23862014022
Entities
People
- Jeong Wie
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Inha University
- United States Air Force