Acoustic Field Modulation Using an Ultrasound Phased Array for Particle Manipulation

Precise particle manipulation in microscale is crucial for biomedical and industrial applications. While acoustic manipulation offers biocompatible and non-contact operation, limitations in spatial resolution and control dynamics are inevitable. To address these issues, we developed an 8 × 8 ultrasonic phased array (UPA) and an acoustic field modulation method based on the Iterative Backpropagation (IB) algorithm. Through electronic phase control, this integrated system enables efficient generation and dynamic reconfiguration of diverse modulated acoustic fields such as single-focus, twin-trap and vortex fields, facilitating flexible ultrasonic beam steering and focal depth modulation. Simulations confirmed the generation of the desired acoustic fields. Experimental validation employed 200 µm polystyrene (PS) microspheres within a particle chamber. The UPA successfully generated the predefined fields, inducing distinct particle patterning consistent with predictions. This UPA platform demonstrates significant potentials for precise and programmable microscale acoustic manipulation.