‘Aqua tweezers’ manipulate particles with water waves

Scientists often use waves to control elements of their experiments. Optical tweezers, for example, use waves of light to trap and manipulate individual molecules, while sound waves can be used to control larger particles. But little research has been done to understand if water-waves can be used in a similar manner.

Now though, a team of researchers have designed a system to produce water waves that precisely interfere with each other — giving rise to 3D structures that can trap and manipulate particles. They think this could be the first step in applying the knowledge of optical- and acoustic-wave manipulations on a water-wave scale.

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