Nanoparticle injector for photonic manipulators using dielectrophoresis

We describe the concept of a dielectrophoretic nanoparticle injector and its use in a plasmonic/photonic-based nanoparticle manipulation system. Particle motion is achieved by generating an electrostatic, non-uniform field between two tilted plates and applying the corresponding dielectrophoretic force to net-neutral nanoparticles. We investigate the dependence the dielectrophoretic force has on the plate angle of the charged plates as well as their separation distance, dielectric filler material, and exit interface membrane. Our results indicate an increasing average and maximum dielectrophoretic force attainable in the axial direction with corresponding decreasing plate angle and gap distance. The model also predicts larger field variation and deviation from the average with smaller plate angle and gap distance. Lastly, we conclude that the nanoparticles must be suspended in a dielectric medium with permittivity greater than their own permittivity so that their net motion is outward through the exit interface membrane and into the manipulator system.