Piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (PMUT) arrays provide a compact and scalable platform for synthesizing programmable acoustic pressure fields. In this project, we investigate PMUT-enabled programmable microparticle self-assembly in fluidic environments using dynamically controlled ultrasonic standing waves. Unlike conventional cymatics, which relies on fixed vibrational modes of a single acoustic source, individually addressable PMUT elements enable active control of frequency, phase, and amplitude to generate reconfigurable pressure landscapes. By tailoring these acoustic fields, microparticles can be guided into ordered and customizable spatial arrangements. This work aims to establish a MEMS-based approach for programmable acoustic self-assembly, laying the foundation for scalable and reconfigurable micro-scale material organization.
Project is currently funded by: Industry Sponsored Research