Scientific Article

Enhanced microparticle manipulation and acoustic levitation using dual-array phased ultrasonic tweezers with advanced field control

School of Mechanical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021 China

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Received: 24 September 2025
Accepted: 19 January 2026

Abstract

Phased-array acoustic tweezers serve as powerful tools for non-contact microparticle manipulation; however, achieving stable and repeatable three-dimensional control remains a significant challenge in physical acoustics. Here, we introduce an open-source, modular Bilateral Array ultrasonic platform designed to generate both twin and vortex acoustic fields for precise particle actuation. By integrating Arduino-based logic with a custom 16-channel MOSFET driver board, the system enables real-time phase management of 128 transducers at 40 kHz. We demonstrate that this bilateral array configuration significantly enhances acoustic focusing, manipulation accuracy, and field stability compared to traditional unilateral setups. Through rigorous experimentation, we quantify the distinct stability profiles of different field topologies generated by this system. Results indicate that while vortex fields effectively induce rotation (σ_θ = 2.5°), they suffer from inherent vertical instability (σ_z ≈ 0.10 cm), resulting in particle ejection at higher elevations. Conversely, the twin configuration demonstrates superior confinement, achieving sub-millimeter precision in both horizontal (σ_x ≤ 0.03 cm) and vertical (σ_z ≤ 0.04 cm) planes. This stability facilitates complex multi-particle operations, including the synchronized rotation of four particles and controlled merging. These findings establish quantitative design guidelines for acoustic field selection, delineating the operational trade-offs between rotational torque and axial confinement for microfluidic and biomedical applications.