Optimizing the speed of single infrared-laser-induced thermocapillary flows micromanipulation by using design of experiments

Laser-induced thermocapillary convection flows is a promising technique to manipulate micrometer size particles. Several parameters, such as the laser exposure time, the laser-particle distance, the particles' diameter and the water layer thickness can be used to control the particles' speed. This article deals with the study of the influence of the control parameters in the manipulation process using a systematic method: Design of Experiments (DoE). Additionally, a mathematical speed model of the manipulated particle as function of the mentioned parameters is proposed in order to enhance the manipulation accuracy and speed paving the way toward future works related to control strategies. Acid-washed glass beads ranging from 50 up to 150 microns were used for this purpose.