Simple Acoustic Tweezers Based on Fourier Acoustics*

Manipulation of small particles with optical or acoustic tweezers has attracted wide interest in biological research for its noncontact and dexterous characters. This research explores why particles could levitate in acoustic standing waves and discusses the method of using computer-generated acoustical holography to create and manipulate the potential well to operate the particles. The method is employed to a phased-control transducers array to achieve manipulating particles in 3D space. The research contributes to building holographical acoustic tweezers with easily accessible components as well as undergraduates’ understanding of the mechanics of acoustic tweezers and phase field control.