Fig. 1: Generating acoustic waves via piezoelectric materials. | Microsystems & Nanoengineering

Fig. 1: Generating acoustic waves via piezoelectric materials.

From: Acoustofluidic separation of cells and particles

Fig. 1

a When a voltage is applied to the electrodes, the piezoelectric material expands and contracts normal to the surface. This mode of vibration is called thickness mode. b For some material orientations, when a voltage is applied, the piezoelectric material will deform in the horizontal direction. This mode of vibration is called shear mode. c By exciting interdigitated transducers (IDTs) patterned on a piezoelectric crystal, vibrations can be generated on the surface of the material in the form of surface acoustic waves (SAWs). The wavelength of the SAW (λ) is dependent on the width and spacing between IDT fingers

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