Mechanics of a process to assemble microspheres on a patterned electrode

T. Zhu, Z. Suo, A. Winkleman, G. M. Whitesides, Applied Physics Letters, 88, 144101, (2006)

A process has been demonstrated recently to assemble microspheres on a patterned electrode under the influence of an applied voltage. Here we examine the mechanics of this process, and describe both the conditions under which excess microspheres jump off the electrode when the voltage is applied, and the forces that attract the remaining microspheres to the desired positions. A quantitative mechanistic understanding of this process rationalizes experimental observations, provides scaling relations, and suggests modifications of the process.