Malinda M. Tupper

Electrostatic Dispensing of Dry Dielectric Materials

Dispensing micron-scale dielectric materials can be achieved through the use of dielectrophoresis. Electrodes are designed to create a nonuniform electric field. This method is expected to be applicable for transfer of a wide range of dielectric powders as well as small, shaped components. Small, 150 μm diameter silica spheres, as well as sodium fluorescein powder have been dispensed by this method. Selecting the appropriate electrode geometry and electric field intensity controls the amount collected. As little as 1.0 μg of sodium fluorescein powder, and as much as 16 mg of silica beads have been collected, and repeatability within 10 % of the total amount dispensed has been achieved.