Drewitt, J. W. E., Emmens, B., Kong, Z.-H., Drinkwater, B. W., & Barnes, A. C. (2024). MightyLev: An acoustic levitator for high-temperature containerless processing of medium- to high-density materials. Review of Scientific Instruments, 95(10). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0221899
Abstract
“MightyLev,” a new multi-emitter ultrasonic acoustic levitation device capable of extremely stable levitation of materials of density up to at least 11.3 g cm−3, is described. The exceptional stability of medium- to high-density samples levitated in MightyLev makes the device highly suitable for chemical and structural analysis using micro-focused spectroscopic and x-ray scattering techniques. In combination with mid-infrared laser heating, MightyLev is capable of levitating metallic and oxide materials during high-temperature cycling and melting above 1500 K. Instabilities in particle confinement during heating were investigated by directly visualizing the acoustic field using schlieren imaging. The results reveal jets of hot-air directed along the anti-nodes of the acoustic field. The reaction force on the sample from the jet, coupled with the restoring force of the acoustic trap, generates a parametric lateral oscillation of the sample. This result provides valuable insight for future optimization and wider application of acoustic levitation for high-temperature containerless material processing.
Video of MightyLev in action
Bruce Drinkwater 