OBJECT MOVEMENT MECHANISM AND OBJECT SELECTION MECHANISM USING LIQUID-LIQUID CRYSTAL PHASE TRANSITION

摘要

Disclosed are an object movement mechanism and object movement method capable of moving an object by thermal energy utilizing liquid-liquid crystal phase transition. The disclosed mechanism is provided with a substance (M) capable of assuming a liquid state and a liquid-crystal state, and a temperature gradient forming means which forms a temperature gradient (Tg) containing a phase transition temperature (Tc) in substance M. The temperature gradient forming means has a phase transition region adjustment function which for moving the phase transition region (IF) of the phase transition temperature (Tc) in the substance (M). When the thermal energy applied to the substance (M) by the temperature gradient forming means is adjusted, the phase transition region (IF) of the phase transition temperature (Tc) can be moved from the liquid crystal phase (LC) side to the liquid phase (L) side. Then, when the phase transition region (IF) is moved from the liquid crystal phase (LC) side to the liquid phase (L) side of an object, a moving object (m) positioned in the liquid state (L) of the substance (M) can be moved along with the phase transition region (IF) to the liquid phase (L) side.