Amplification of Acoustic Forces Using Microbubble Arrays Enables Manipulation of Centimeter-Scale Objects

Abstract

Manipulation of macroscale objects by sound is fundamentally limited by the wavelength and object size. Resonant subwavelength scatterers such as bubbles can decouple these requirements, but typically the forces are weak. Here we show that patterning bubbles into arrays leads to geometric amplification of the scattering forces, enabling the precise assembly and manipulation of cm-scale objects. We rotate a 1 cm object continuously or position it with 15 μm accuracy, using sound with a 50 cm wavelength. The results are described well by a theoretical model. Our results lay the foundation for using secondary Bjerknes forces in the controlled organization and manipulation of macroscale structures.