NON-CONDUCTIVE FLUID DROPLET FORMING APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

A method and apparatus for forming fluid droplets includes a nozzle channel (20), a pressurized source (64) of a non-conductive fluid in fluid communication with the nozzle channel, and a stimulation electrode (100). The pressurized source is operable to form a jet of the non-conductive fluid through the nozzle channel. At least one portion of the stimulation electrode (112) is electrically conductive and contactable with a portion of the non-conductive fluid jet (63). The at least one electrically conductive and contactable portion of the stimulation electrode is operable to transfer an electrical charge to a region of the portion of the non-conductive fluid jet with the electrical charge stimulating the non-conductive fluid jet to form a non-conductive fluid droplet.