SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTROWETTING ACTUATION UTILIZING DIODES

摘要

An electrowetting system and method for the movement of a droplet across the surface of a substrate, utilizing an applied voltage. The actuation of the droplet is achieved by introducing a diode into the idealized electrical circuit of the electrowetting system. The diode is in parallel with a capacitor (dielectric) and effectively shorts the droplet on the side of a lower potential electrode so that the entire voltage drop is across the dielectric over the higher potential electrode. This difference in potential creates an energy imbalance that is effective in moving the droplet towards the higher potential electrode. If the voltage polarity is reversed, the direction of actuation will also be reversed.

主权项

1. An electrowetting system for the movement of a droplet regardless of voltage polarity, the system comprising:
an electrode layer adapted to act as a resistor in the electrowetting system; a dielectric layer disposed in overlying relation to the electrode layer, the dielectric layer adapted to act as a capacitor in the electrowetting system; and a plurality of diodes disposed within the dielectric layer, the plurality of diodes adapted to act as diodes in parallel with the dielectric layer.