JP3488732B2 - Ultrasonic processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention makes use of the force exerted on fine particles in a fluid by ultrasonic waves to produce fine particles such as plastic particles and granular polymer substances, microorganisms, tissue cell sections, eggs, Confinement or binding of biological particles such as sperm in a fluid, capture of the above-mentioned particle group, transportation of the above-mentioned particles in a liquid, concentration and elimination of the above-mentioned particles, etc.,
The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating particles in a fluid by a wide range of ultrasonic waves such as application to light diffraction and scattering by controlling the arrangement of particles having different refractive indexes.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The trapping of fine particles is not only a conventional means of directly physically capturing with fine tweezers or a stylus, but also indirectly with a gradient force field generated by electromagnetic waves, light, sound waves, etc. Means of catching are also being tried.

Means for catching with tweezers, stylus, etc. are simple and highly reliable, but in order to make physical contact,
The size of the fine particles that can be captured largely depends on the processing accuracy and processing limit of tweezers, stylus, etc. In addition, particles may be destroyed or deformed by being directly contacted and captured. Further, when the captured fine particles are moved, the tweezers, the stylus, etc. are mechanically moved, so that they cannot be moved with an accuracy higher than the driving accuracy of the stepping motor or the like.

Means for capturing by generating a gradient force field by electromagnetic waves are effective for fine particles capable of attracting charges. Since the electric field is easy to superimpose, if a proper superposition method is used, a gradient force field can be created relatively easily at any place, and the particles can be generated by an electric attractive force or a repulsive force with a precision exceeding the machining limit. Can be caught. In addition, the characteristics of the method that indirectly captures by the gradient force field are that there is no risk of destruction or deformation of particles due to contact, and the magnitude of the binding force can be freely changed by controlling the source of the gradient force field. And the fact that the fine particles can be immediately freed by eliminating the force field. The problem is that it is not effective for electrically neutral particles because it is a gradient force field due to an electric field.

Means for capturing by generating a gradient force field by a light beam have been tried for neutral particles and dielectric particles. By focusing the laser light,
When a gradient force field that maximizes the focus is generated and a gradient force that exceeds the scattering power of the incident laser light acts on the fine particles, the fine particles can be captured. The problem is that in this method, the trapping means is based on the competition between the scattering force and the gradient force, so for particles whose particle radius is sufficiently larger than the wavelength, the scattering force greatly changes depending on the particle shape. Therefore, its optical scattering is limited to particles that do not change much depending on the direction of the trap. Further, since the laser light is strongly focused in order to obtain a sufficient gradient force, the dielectric particles and biological particles are damaged by irreversible light. In addition, when making optical measurements,
Alternatively, this technique cannot be used for substances that are light sensitive. Furthermore, it is necessary to form a large device system such as a light source that generates a powerful laser and a device that guides the laser light from the light source to a focal position.

Means for capturing by generating a gradient force field by ultrasonic waves have also been tried on polystyrene and frog eggs. There are various ways to generate a gradient force field. For example, the Journal of Acoustical Society of
In the paper of America, vol.89, No.5 (1991), pp.2140-2143, by continuously irradiating a 3.5 MHz ultrasonic wave from a pair of symmetrically placed ultrasonic wave sources in a solution, It has succeeded in creating a gradient force field and capturing 0.27 mm polystyrene beads at its focal point. further,
By moving this ultrasonic source mechanically, we succeeded in moving the particles in any direction.
About the fine particles captured by this 3.5 MHz ultrasonic wave,
By changing the frequency of ultrasonic waves, 0.01MH
It has succeeded in moving about 1 micron, though only in the radial direction with respect to the change of z.

ACUSTICA Vol. 5 (1955) 167-178 introduces theoretical calculations and experiments on the behavior of fine particles due to standing waves and traveling waves of ultrasonic waves.

This paper shows that the factors that cause the particles to move to the node or antinode of the sound pressure are the speed of sound and the density. Fine particle density-compression factor When F (σ, λ)> 0, fine particles gather at the antinode position of ultrasonic waves, and when F (σ, λ) <0, fine particles gather at the node position theoretically. It was explained, and the experiment was actually conducted for the case of bubbles in water, and it was proved that the result was the same as the theoretical prediction.

In this paper, colloids such as toluene and benzene in water gather at the position of the node of sound pressure, and colloids such as nitrobenzene and mercury gather at the position of the antinode of sound pressure. Predicted from the speed of sound.

On the other hand, regarding a method of creating an ultrasonic focal area having a controlled spread, IEEE transactions on ultraso
nics, ferroelectrics, and frequency control, vol.3
9, No.1, (1992) pp.32-38), ultrasonic waves with a phase difference of 2 mπ for each element from an ultrasonic wave source arranged circumferentially on a concave disk. Has been successful in creating a sound field having an m-th order Bessel function type intensity distribution centered on the focal point in front of the concave plate.

[0011]

In the above-mentioned prior art, since the focus is made by the ultrasonic wave generating source using the concave plate for ultrasonic wave focusing and the fine particles are captured, it is possible to perform relative movement to the ultrasonic wave generating source without using any mechanical means. It was not possible to move the focal point to move the fine particles, or to make multiple focal points at the same time to catch the fine particles. In addition, fine particles such as lead have not been studied. Furthermore, no consideration has been given to fine particles having a very small particle size, the force acting by ultrasonic waves being small.

[0012]

The present invention makes it possible, in principle, to fix fine particles at an arbitrary position and move and convey them in an arbitrary direction at an arbitrary speed, which was impossible with the above-mentioned prior art. The purpose is to provide a method of doing.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a method of collecting fine particles or the like existing in a specific range or a method of eliminating fine particles or the like existing in a specific range.

[0013]

The object of the present invention is to arrange an ultrasonic wave generation source composed of a plurality of ultrasonic wave generation elements in a specific shape, and to generate an ultrasonic wave of a specific wavelength with an arbitrary phase and intensity from each ultrasonic wave generation element. In a device system capable of generating the ultrasonic waves, ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic wave generating elements are superposed, a focal point is focused at an arbitrary position, and a gradient force field is generated at the focal point position. In addition, the present invention moves the gradient force field in an arbitrary direction by changing the phase and intensity of each ultrasonic wave generating element in order to move the captured fine particles, or sequentially moving a plurality of separate particles. It is realized by generating a gradient force field of s with a specific intensity at a specific location.

[0014]

EXAMPLES First, the gradient force F received by fine particles placed in a gradient force field generated by the sound pressure of ultrasonic waves will be described.

The gradient force vector F is defined as I, the intensity of ultrasonic waves,
It is possible to set F = −∇Φ = −G∇I, where G is a constant. Here, G is a value determined by the relationship between the density of water and fine particles and the speed of sound, and is positive for fine particles such as polyethylene as shown in FIG.
It becomes negative for fine particles such as iridium. Also, G
For fine particles having a positive value, the potential Φ takes a minimum value at the ultrasonic focus, and these fine particles can be focused. Conversely, for fine particles for which G is negative,
The potential Φ takes a maximum value at the focal point of ultrasonic waves, and these fine particles receive a repulsive force from the focal point and try to move away from the focal point. Therefore, by effectively using this property, it becomes possible to distinguish a substance having a positive G and a substance having a negative G, and to selectively capture the substance, and it becomes possible to perform the capture and selection which cannot be performed by the conventional laser trap. It was In particular, when capturing a substance having a negative G, the maximum points of the potential are arranged sufficiently densely around the fine particles to be captured, and the fine particles are trapped in the wall by surrounding the fine particles with a wall of the maximum points. can do.

A basic structure for capturing fine particles at the minimum point of the potential generated at the focal point position by using the gradient force field generated by focusing the ultrasonic waves will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 2 shows a first method of capturing fine particles by a gradient force field.
2A is a schematic view of the basic configuration of the ultrasonic wave generator, in which the ultrasonic wave generators 1 and 1 ′ of the ultrasonic wave generators that are two-dimensionally arranged in the solution 4 are arranged in a vertical pair. It is a schematic diagram from the side of a capture carrying device. The ultrasonic wave 3 emitted from the ultrasonic wave generation sources 1 arranged two-dimensionally is the waveform A (i, j) of each transducer for the (i, j) th element of the N ultrasonic wave generation elements 1. Can be set like (Equation 1).

A (i, j) = A ₀ (i, j) · Exp [j (ωt + δ (i, j))] (Equation 1) In (Equation 1), A ₀ (i, j) is (i , J) shows the amplitude of the ultrasonic transducer, and δ (i, j) is (i, j)
The phase shift of the th ultrasonic transducer is shown.
In order to make a focal point directly under the (I ₀ , J ₀ ) -th ultrasonic transducer, the length of the perpendicular line drawn from the (I ₀ , J ₀ ) -th element to the focal point is L, (i, j). If the widths in the i direction and the j direction of each element from the th element to the (I ₀ , J ₀ ) element are dx and dy, respectively, the (i, j) element should have The phase δ (i, j) may be set as in (Equation 2).

[0019]

[Equation 2]

Around the focus thus created, Z
A gradient force field 12 as shown in FIG. 2B is formed in the axial direction. When G is positive, the fine particles move in the direction in which the gradient force field Φ, which is a superposition of the gradient force fields generated by the N ultrasonic wave generating elements, has a minimum value, and stabilizes at the minimum point 11.

Next, the phase distribution of each of the ultrasonic wave generation sources 1 and 1'is changed, and the gradient force field is moved in the direction in which the fine particles 5 are to be moved, for example, the direction indicated by the arrow 6, to minimize the gradient force field. Move the points in that direction. As a result, the fine particles 5 that are stable at the minimum point move according to the movement of the minimum point. In addition, the ultrasonic wave generation source 1, which generates the gradient force field 12,
By selecting the number of elements and the position of 1 ′, it is possible to create a gradient force field of any size in a specific range by superimposing the gradient force fields. Fine particles can be collected at the minimum points.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a second basic structure of trapping fine particles by a gradient force field in the present invention. Figure 3
(A) shows N ultrasonic wave generating elements 1 in the solution 4.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view from the upper surface of an ultrasonic wave generation device in which are arranged in a donut shape toward the inside.

When the numbers of the respective ultrasonic wave generating elements are numbered clockwise from No. 1 to No. N, the ultrasonic waves emitted from the i-th generating element are as shown in (Equation 3).

A (i) = A ₀ (i) · Exp [j (ωt + δ (i))] (Equation 3) In (Equation 3), A ₀ (i) is the amplitude of the i-th ultrasonic transducer. Δ (i) indicates the phase shift of the i-th ultrasonic transducer. To make the focus on the center of the circumference,
It is sufficient to set δ (i) = 0 for all i. In order to make the focal point of the ultrasonic wave at a point separated from the center of the circle by the vector r, the phase shift δ (i) of the i-th transducer is
The size may be set as shown in (Equation 4). However, the wave number vector of the i-th ultrasonic transducer is k (i).

[0025]

[Equation 4]

When the offset δ (i) is 0, the superposition of N waves becomes a m-th order Bessel function centered on the center of the circle as described in the above Umemura et al. At this time, a gradient force field 12 as shown in FIG. 3B is generated. The minimum point of this gradient force field can be moved from the center of the circle to an arbitrary point by changing the offset δ (i). Therefore, the particles captured in this gradient force field can be moved by gradually and smoothly changing δ (i).

In the case of fine particles for which G is negative, if m is set to 1 or more, a wall of maximum value is formed surrounding the location of the position r, and the fine particles can be trapped in this wall.

Although the non-compressible fluid such as water has been described above, the same applies to the compressible fluid such as gas. In the following examples, for simplicity, only examples of incompressible fluid are used.

(Example of capturing and moving fine particles) FIG. 4
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention configured to capture and move fine particles suspended in an aqueous solution by applying the first basic configuration. 2 on the flat plate as shown in FIG.
A pair of apparatus main bodies composed of ultrasonic wave generating elements arranged in a dimension are filled with a solution 4, and fine particles 5 are suspended in the solution. The ultrasonic wave generation element 1 attached to the flat plate is made of ZnO, PLDP ceramics, or the like. Since these generating elements are transparent, it is possible to directly observe the fine particles 5 in the solution 4 through the generating elements through a microscope or the like from the outside. The intensity of each ultrasonic wave generating element 1 can be adjusted independently, and by using the principle and method described in the first basic configuration in the section of the above-mentioned action, ultrasonic waves of 3 MHz, 1
It was possible to capture and transport 0 micron latex beads. In addition, frog eggs could be captured and transported nondestructively by ultrasonic waves of 3 MHz. Further, in this example, by arranging the ultrasonic wave generation elements vertically symmetrically, the secondary fluid flow caused by the focused ultrasonic waves is suppressed.

However, in the vicinity of the fixed flat plate or in the portion near the water surface, a large fluid flow that hinders the capture of the fine particles due to the gradient force field does not occur. The fine particles could be captured and moved by using only one flat plate.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the configuration of the ultrasonic wave control portion in the embodiment described in FIG. This control device section includes N ultrasonic wave generation elements 1-1, ..., 1 shown in FIG.
The generated ultrasonic wave of -N is controlled, and by replacing the ultrasonic wave generating element with the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving element, it is possible to receive the echo of the generated ultrasonic wave and confirm the existence position of the fine particles. In addition, the ultrasonic echo image and the spatial distribution image of fine particles obtained by a video camera / image processing system, etc. are analyzed and processed according to the procedure programmed at the beginning of the operation. The sound wave can be feedback-controlled. Specifically, first, desired coordinates are input from the control panel 13 so that a local minimum point of the gradient force field is generated at a position where particles are desired to be captured. Next, the main control circuit 14 sets the strength, phase, and offset of each ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving element, and outputs these to the waveform storage circuit 15. The data in the waveform storage circuit 15 is read from the wave transmission circuit 16 in response to a wave transmission command from the main controller 14. The wave transmission circuit 16 includes N connected ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving elements 1-1, ..., 1-N,
The waveform output based on the data of the waveform storage circuit 15 is sent out. When confirming the position of the particles by the ultrasonic wave, the echo of the emitted ultrasonic wave is again detected by the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving element 1-
The signals are received by 1, ..., 1-N and transmitted to the wave receiving circuit 17. The data transmitted to the wave receiving circuit 17 is transferred to the main control circuit 14 and the display circuit 19 as basic data for feedback control such as the coordinates of particles and the displacement speed by passing through the analysis operation circuit 18. . The main control circuit 14 includes an analysis calculation circuit 18 and a television camera,
The feedback control of the ultrasonic trap is enabled based on the position data of the fine particles provided by the image processing system 201.

Applying the above-mentioned first basic configuration to FIG. 6,
FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention configured to selectively capture and transport fine particles in a tube filled with a solution. In this device system, a plurality of ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving elements as shown in FIG. 2 are arranged on the tube surface as shown in FIG. The arrayed ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving elements are independent of each other and can emit ultrasonic waves with arbitrary intensity and phase. A window for observation is provided at a portion for selectively capturing the fine particles, and the fine particles are captured while being observed from this portion. After capturing, with the ultrasonic wave of 3 MHz using the principle and method described in the first basic configuration of the above-mentioned action column,
It was possible to capture and transport 10 micron latex beads. In addition, frog eggs could be captured and transported nondestructively by ultrasonic waves of 3 MHz. The control of each ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving element 1 was performed by using the same control device as that of the embodiment shown in FIG.

Applying the above-mentioned second basic configuration to FIG. 7,
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention configured to capture fine particles floating in an aqueous solution. The schematic diagram from the side surface and the upper surface of the third embodiment of the ultrasonic trap device and the carrying device to which the basic configuration according to the present invention is applied is shown. this is,
This is one of the embodiments characterized by applying the second basic configuration.

The main body of the ultrasonic capturing / carrying device, which is composed of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving elements arranged in a donut shape as shown in FIG. 3, is fixed on the plate of the microscope. Each ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving element is independent, and can generate ultrasonic waves with arbitrary intensity and phase. The inside of the main body of the ultrasonic capturing device is filled with the solution, and the substance of the object existing in the solution, the phase difference, the fluorescence image and the like can be constantly observed by the microscope objective lens. Here, ultrasonic waves of 3 MHz are generated by generating ultrasonic waves having a phase difference as described in the second basic configuration of the above-mentioned action column from each ultrasonic oscillator of the ultrasonic generator main body. It was possible to capture and transport 10 micron latex beads.
In addition, frog eggs could be captured and transported nondestructively by ultrasonic waves of 3 MHz. Further, by changing the phase offset, the fine particles could be moved and transported. The control of each ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving element 1 was performed by using the same control device as that of the embodiment shown in FIG.

Applying the above-mentioned first basic configuration to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention configured to capture fine particles floating in a certain range in an aqueous solution and collect them in one place. This is one of the embodiments characterized by applying the first basic configuration. As shown in FIG. 7, the ultrasonic capturing and transporting device main body arranged two-dimensionally on a flat plate is filled with the solution 4, and the fine particles 5 are contained in the solution 4.
Is floating. The ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving element 1 attached to the plane plate is made of ZnO, PLDP ceramics, or the like. The intensity of each ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving element 1 can be adjusted independently, and by using the principle and method described in the first basic configuration in the section of the above-mentioned action, ultrasonic waves of 3 MHz are used. The sea urchin sperm in the range of 1 cm ³ could be focused non-destructively. Further, the control of each ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element 1 was performed by using the same control device as that of the embodiment shown in FIG.

Applying the above-mentioned first basic configuration to FIG. 9,
1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention configured to capture fine particles in an aqueous solution, thereby effectively removing fine dust in a specific range. This is one of the embodiments characterized by applying the first basic configuration. As shown in FIG. 9, the ultrasonic capturing and transporting device main body arranged two-dimensionally on a flat plate is filled with the solution 4, and the fine particles 5 are attached to the surface of the metal plate 20 existing in the solution. There is. The ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving element 1 attached to the plane plate is made of ZnO, PLDP ceramics, or the like.

The strength of each ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving element 1 can be adjusted independently, and any strength can be obtained by using the principle and method described in the first basic configuration of the above-mentioned action column. It is possible to capture particulates in the place. First, the focus is focused on the area of the metal plate 20 where dust is to be removed. Next, by expanding the position of the ultrasonic focus as shown by the arrow 21 in FIG. 9 around this focus, dust such as 5 micron latex beads could be captured and eliminated.
Further, the control of each ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving element 1 was performed by using the same control device as that of the embodiment shown in FIG.

In the above description of the five embodiments, a large number of ultrasonic wave generating elements are arranged and their phases and intensities are controlled.
The case where a gradient force field is created by directly using the sound field created by an ultrasonic wave generating element has been taken as an example, but even when a small number of ultrasonic wave generating elements are arranged on a flat plate with a sufficient gap, By transmitting the vibration of these elements to the flat plate in contact with the elements, it is possible to make the ultrasonic wave generating elements behave as if they are arranged without any gap. As a result, the same gradient force field as in the above 5 cases can be created, and the fine particles can be captured and transported as in the above 5 examples.

Further, as described in the operation, the fine particles having negative G in the above-mentioned five examples are formed by forming a plurality of or continuously focused focal spots having the maximum potential around the fine particles to be captured. Can be caught.

Further, as described above, with respect to fine particles having negative G, the fine particles can be trapped in the above five embodiments by forming a plurality of focal spots having the maximum potential or continuously around the fine particles to be trapped. You can

(Example of Cell Fusion) Next, FIG. 10 shows an example of cell fusion comprising a portion for focusing ultrasonic waves to capture fine particles and a portion for inducing cell fusion in a high piezoelectric field. In this embodiment, a mechanical movement control mechanism is added to the above-described embodiment. These parts are placed in the cell 36. The portion that focuses the ultrasonic wave includes an ultrasonic transducer 31 and an acoustic lens 32 that focuses the wave generated by the transducer, and can capture cells at the focal point of the ultrasonic wave. Reference numeral 37 is a coaxial cable for driving the ultrasonic transducer.

The focus position can be moved by moving the unit consisting of the ultrasonic transducer 31 and the acoustic lens 32 by the three-dimensional manipulation device 35. Using this, the cells to be fused are guided to the position of the parallel electrode plate 33. In the device of this embodiment, the ultrasonic waves of 3 MHz are used to capture and move cells having a particle diameter of 30 μm.

The portion for inducing cell fusion by an electric field is composed of a pair of electrodes 33, 33, and an electric pulse can be applied. Cells to be fused are captured by a unit composed of an ultrasonic transducer 31 and an acoustic lens 32, and the electrodes 33,
The cells can be fused by inducing them with the three-dimensional manipulation device 35 during 33 and applying an electric pulse in the state where the cells are in contact with each other.

Further, in order to suppress the influence of cavitation, the dissolved gas of the solution in the cell can be replaced with a triatomic gas such as carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide.

FIG. 11 shows an example of cell fusion in the next device, which comprises a part for focusing ultrasonic waves to capture fine particles and a part for injecting a cell fusion inducer from a pipetting device to induce cell fusion. . This part is cell 3
It is placed in 6. The portion for focusing the ultrasonic waves is the same as in the embodiment of FIG. 4 described above, and is composed of two plates 39, 39 in which ultrasonic transducers are two-dimensionally arranged. Generation of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic transducers arranged two-dimensionally is as described above.

In (Equation 2), for the two target cells 38, 38, the phase obtained by adding the phases δ1 and δ2 that bring the focus to the position of each cell is the ultrasonic transducer (i, j).
Add to. Also, by changing this phase,
By moving the focus position as indicated by arrows 41, 41, two cells can be collected at one place. In the device of this embodiment, the ultrasonic waves of 3 MHz are used to capture and move cells having a particle diameter of 30 μm.

The micropipetting device section 40 can inject ethylene glycol into the solution. Further, this device can be moved to an arbitrary position by the micromanipulator 35. After the cells to be fused are collected at one place by the above-mentioned ultrasonic capture device, the injection port of the micropipetting device 40 is brought close to and ethylene glycol is ejected to cause cell fusion.

Further, in order to observe with the microscope 42, a transparent ultrasonic transducer ZnO, PLDP type ceramic was used in this apparatus.

In this embodiment, the pair of two-dimensional array ultrasonic transducers 39, 39 are used, but the same result can be obtained by using only one two-dimensional array ultrasonic transducer. Also, in order to suppress the influence of cavitation,
The dissolved gas of the solution in the cell can be replaced with a triatomic gas such as carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide.

In the present embodiment, ultrasonic waves were used as a target cell-capturing means, and a means for locally acting a chemical substance was used as a cell fusion means. However, this micropipette locally supplies a chemical substance. The means is pipette suction,
It can also be used when cells are trapped by an electric field trap, an optical trap, or the like.

Next, FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a cell fusion device comprising a portion for focusing ultrasonic waves to capture fine particles and a portion for inducing cell fusion by focused ultrasonic waves. These parts are placed in the cell 36. The portion for focusing the ultrasonic waves is composed of a two-dimensional array ultrasonic transducer 39 and a controller (not shown) for independently vibrating each transducer, and by the phase control similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. , The ultrasonic waves can be focused to make a focus, and cells can be captured at the position of this focus. In addition, this ultrasonic transducer unit is used as a three-dimensional manipulation device 35.
The focus position can be moved by moving with, and the focus position can be finely moved by changing the phase of the ultrasonic transducer. Using this, cells to be fused are guided to a desired position. In the device of this embodiment, the ultrasonic waves of 3 MHz are used to capture and move cells having a particle diameter of 30 μm.

The part for inducing cell fusion by focused ultrasonic waves is a two-dimensional array ultrasonic transducer 43 capable of generating ultrasonic waves of 100 MHz, which is moved by a micromanipulator 35 to an approximate target position. The focus can be made on the target position by the same method as the embodiment of FIG. The cells 38 to be fused are placed at one place, and the cells can be fused by sending pulsed ultrasonic waves in a contact state.

Further, in order to suppress the influence of cavitation, the dissolved gas of the solution in the cell can be replaced with a triatomic gas such as carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide.

Further, although not shown, in order to capture the two cells, an ultrasonic device of the type shown in FIG. 3 may be used for the two target cells. With this, the ultrasonic transducer is controlled so as to bring the focus to the position of each cell, and the focus position is moved so that the two cells can be gathered at one place.

Furthermore, cells to be fused can be collected in the center of a circle, and in the state where these cells are in contact with each other, the cells can be fused by simultaneously sending pulsed ultrasonic waves with a frequency of 100 MHz from each transducer. it can. As described above, a method of adding an electric field or a cell fusion promoter may be used instead of ultrasonic waves.

Further, in order to suppress the influence of cavitation, the dissolved gas of the solution in the cell can be replaced with a triatomic gas such as carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide.

According to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 to 12, fine particles are captured and transported by using a gradient force field by a method using ultrasonic waves, which is different from the conventionally used methods such as tweezers, electric field, and laser light. Now that you can
Capable of non-destructively capturing and transporting substances that could not be captured conventionally, such as substances that cannot be scissored with tweezers, electrically neutral substances, optically active substances, substances in solutions with high turbidity, etc. It became so. Moreover, since it is now possible to easily generate a gradient force field by arranging ultrasonic transducers and generating ultrasonic waves with arbitrary strength and phase, it is a simple device that does not exist in conventional optical traps. In the system
It has become possible to capture and transport fine particles to a site having an arbitrary shape. Further, in the focus of ultrasonic waves, fine particles receive an attractive force or a repulsive force to the focus depending on their physical properties, so that it is possible to enable selective fine particle trapping that was impossible with conventional optical traps and the like. It was

Furthermore, the fine particles can be captured in a non-contact and selective manner and fused without contact damage to cells or optical damage. It can be done with probability.

(Embodiment of Concentrator) The most universal and simple method for concentrating and extracting fine particles in a liquid is to fractionate by applying an external force to the fine particles. Centrifugal force is used as the external force. In some cases, it is necessary to pack the liquid in a container and rotate it at tens of thousands of revolutions in order to obtain sufficient centrifugal force.
It is difficult to simply and continuously concentrate a large amount of fine particles in a solution, or to incorporate it into an analyzer or the like as a component for concentration.

Further, as a method for eliminating the impurity fine particles in the solution, the mainstream is to use a membrane filter, but the function of the membrane filter deteriorates depending on the amount of use due to its nature. In addition, depending on the solution, the membrane filter itself may be decomposed and may not be used.
Further, in the membrane filter, the size of the fine particles to be filtered cannot be arbitrarily changed, and the size of the fine particles to be filtered is determined depending on the fineness of the filter prepared in advance.

The above-mentioned problems can be solved by causing the radiation pressure of ultrasonic waves according to this embodiment to act on the fine particles. That is,
A standing wave or a traveling wave of an ultrasonic wave may be formed in the fluid, and an external force may be applied to the particles in a non-contact manner by the gradient force field generated by this. Further, by appropriately changing the intensity of this ultrasonic wave, the external force applied to the fine particles can be appropriately changed.

More specifically, while migrating a fluid containing fine particles of metal or fine particles such as proteins to be focused in a tube or a gel, a sound wave is generated in a direction perpendicular to the migration direction by a standing wave or a traveling wave or a traveling wave. A concentric spiral sound wave is formed, and the particles are focused on the nodes or antinodes of the standing wave, or the traveling direction of the traveling wave or the reverse direction of the traveling wave is formed depending on the difference in the density of the particles with respect to the fluid and the sound velocity. It is only necessary to collect fine particles in the direction or to confine the fine particles in a concentric sound field to reduce the size of the concentric circles, thereby forming a portion where the fine particles are concentrated in the fluid and a portion where the fine particles do not exist.

Alternatively, a gradient force field barrier created by ultrasonic waves emitted from a sound source in a container filled with fluid is used, and the fluid can easily move through this barrier, but the particles are resisted by this barrier. It is possible to concentrate or filter the fine particles in the fluid by utilizing the fact that it is difficult to cross the barrier. At this time, the efficiency of concentration or filtration may be changed by appropriately adjusting the intensity of ultrasonic waves.

The sound velocity vector v (x) and the pressure p (x) at the position x in the propagation medium of the sound wave are the velocity potential φ.
Using,

[0065]

[Equation 5]

It is possible to set p (x) = ρ (dφ / dt) (Equation 6). Here, ρ is the density of the medium.

If the angular velocity of the sound wave is ω and the wave number is k, then φ = ψExp [jωt] (Equation 7) V = (ρ (k ² ) / 4) | ψ | ² (Equation 8) T = (ρ / 4) | ∂ψ / ∂z | ² (Equation 9), and the external force <F> applied to the particles is <F (z)> = A (∂V / ∂z) + B ((∂V / ∂z) +3 (∂T / ∂z)) + Δ (Equation 10) can be put. Here, A, B, and Δ are constants determined by the particle size, sound velocity, and density of the fine particles. Further, Δ is a term that can be ignored except when T and V are almost or completely constant.

(In the case of a plane standing wave) When there is a fine particle at a position of a distance h from the position of a node in the plane standing wave, ψ = C × (Exp [jk (z + h)] + Exp [-jk (z + h) ] (Equation 11), T = (| C | ² ) × (ρk ² ) (sin [k (z + h)]) ² (Equation 12) V = (| C | ² ) × ( ρk ² ) (cos [k (z + h)]) ² (Equation 13), <F> = (| C | ² ) × [(− A + 2B) (ρk ² )] sin (2kh) = [f (λ, σ) × 2I / c] sin (2kh) (Equation 14) can be set. However, I is the sound wave intensity, and can be expressed as I = (| C | ² ) × (ρc (k ² )) / 2 (Equation 15), and (−A + 2B) = (4π (a ³ ) k ) [-1 / (3λ (σ ² )) + (λ + (2/3) (λ-1)) / (1 + 2λ)] = f (λ, σ) (Equation 16) and λ≡ρ * / ρ, σ≡c * / c = k / k *.
ρ *, c *, and k * are the density, sound velocity, and wave number in the fine particles, respectively, and ρ, c, and k are the density, sound velocity, and wave number in the medium, respectively. Therefore, the function f of the density of fine particles and the speed of sound
When (λ, σ)> 0, the fine particles receive a force in the antinode direction of the sound pressure, and when f (λ, σ) <0, the fine particles receive a force in the direction of the node of the sound pressure.

(In the case of plane traveling wave) When there are fine particles at the origin in the plane traveling wave, it is possible to set ψ = C × Exp [ikz] (Equation 17), so that T = (| C | ² ) × ρ / 4 (Equation 18) V = (| C | ² ) × ρ (k ² ) / 4 (Equation 19), and (∂V / ∂z) = 0 (Equation 20) (∂T / ∂z) = 0 Since (Equation 21), <F> = Δ = 2πρ ((ka) ⁶ ) f (λ, σ) = 4π (a ² ) ((ka) ⁴ ) (I / c) f (Equation 22) Can be placed. In addition, f = f (λ, σ) = (1 / (1 + 2λ) ² ) [(λ− (1 + 2λ) / (3λσ ² )) ² + (2/9) (1-λ) ² ] (Equation 23) can be expressed.

Therefore, the function f of the density of fine particles and the speed of sound
When (λ, σ)> 0, the fine particles receive a force in the traveling direction of the sound wave, and when f (λ, σ) <0, the fine particles receive a force in a direction opposite to the traveling direction of the sound wave.

(In the case of a traveling wave from a sound source of finite size)
When the radius R of the sound source of finite size is kR >> 1, it can be set as V = T = I / (2c) (Equation 24). Therefore, <F> = ((A + 4B) / (2c)) (∂I / ∂z) = f (∂I / ∂z) (Equation 25), and when f = f (λ, σ)> 0, The fine particles try to move in the stronger direction of I, but when f (λ, σ) <0, the fine particles try to move in the weaker direction of I.

(Relationship between Radiation Pressure and Concentration Gradient) The chemical energy μ of a solution system containing fine particles is μ = μ0 (T) + μc− [, where [F] is the force applied to 1 mol of fine particles by the radiation pressure of ultrasonic waves. F] dz (Equation 26) can be set. Here, in a state where the concentration distribution of the fine particles in the solution reaches equilibrium, dμ / dz = 0 (Equation 27). At this time, the chemical potential μc of the fine particles satisfies dμc / dz = [F] (Equation 28). Therefore, if both sides are integrated with respect to z, (dμc / dz) dz = (μc2) − (μc1) = RTln (c2 / c1) = ∫ [F] dz (Equation 29) The concentration gradient formed from z1 to the coordinate z2 of the particle concentration C2 is C2 / C1 = Exp [(∫ [F] dz) / (RT)] (Equation 30). However, R is a gas constant.

(Concentration and Filtration of Fine Particles) Based on the principle described above, the fine particles in the fluid were able to generate a concentration gradient caused by an external force applied by the radiation pressure of ultrasonic waves. In addition, by giving a spatial distribution to the intensity of the radiant pressure of ultrasonic waves, a gradient force field is generated in the fluid space, creating a barrier against the diffusion of fine particles, and this barrier prevents the diffusion of fine particles or the invasion of fine particles. , It was possible to concentrate the fine particles within the barrier or to selectively take out only the fluid containing no fine particles outside the barrier.

(Example) For example, the specific gravity is 2.7 and the particle size is 100 μ.
Since a particle of m has a f = 0.31616 (> 0) in a plane standing wave of 10 MHz and 100 W / m ² , the particle is attracted to its antinode position, and the external force received by the particle at the node position is about 21. It becomes dyne [dyne].

The configuration will be described more specifically.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram (a) seen from the front and a schematic diagram (b) seen from the side of the first embodiment of the concentrator. 13A is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 13B taken along the line AA in the direction of the arrow, and FIG.
3 (a) is a cross section as seen in the direction of the arrow at the position BB. This device consists of a part that performs gel electrophoresis and an ultrasonic wave generation part that causes a standing wave in the gel. While separating the sample by electrophoresis, the separated sample is simultaneously concentrated by ultrasonic waves. Is. In the gel electrophoresis device section, an agarose gel 54 is sandwiched between two glass plates 52. The upper and lower ends of the gel are soaked in a water tank 51 filled with an electrophoretic solution composed of a mixed solution of an electrophoretic agent (such as glycine), a buffer agent (such as Trizma base), and a surfactant (SDS). The sample 56 in the gel can be electrophoresed by applying

On both sides of the gel (both ends of the glass plate 2), ultrasonic transducers 53 for causing standing waves 55 in the gel are placed so as to face each other, and the gel is electrophoresed. It is possible to bring the position of the node or the antinode of the standing wave to the center of the lane by changing the frequency according to the interval between the lanes of the sample. Doing so has substantially the same effect as setting up a wall for making lanes in the gel. Further, by adjusting the intensity, it is possible to give the minimum necessary sound pressure for concentrating the sample according to the type of sample and the electrophoresis speed. The speed of sound in the gel is 1500 m / s, which is almost the same as the speed of sound in the solution, so 200 kHz
If the standing wave of 1 is used, migration lanes at 15 mm intervals can be used.

The sample in the standing wave is classified into one that is concentrated at the node position of the standing wave and one that is concentrated at the antinode position depending on the sound velocity and density of each component of the sample with respect to the solvent. A fluorescence detector is provided near the lower end of the gel 54,
A small amount of protein can be detected by placing a detector such as a light scattering detector, and a sheath flow is formed at the lower end of the gel 54 to take out the concentrated sample that has come out of the gel with a thin tube. You can also

In this example, SD using agarose gel was used.
Although it is configured on the basis of S electrophoresis, polyacrylamide or the like can be used for the gel, or it can be used for other electrophoresis such as isoelectric focusing. Further, although the slab gel is used in the description in this embodiment, it can be similarly used for a disc gel, a capillary gel and the like.

Further, by injecting ultrasonic waves into the gel and vibrating the stitches of the gel, it is possible to accurately measure the molecular weights of the giant protein, the giant DNA chain and the like, which have been problematic in the past.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the concentrating device. This device has a pipe 57 through which a fluid flows and the pipe 57
And an ultrasonic transducer 53 which is provided to face the outer wall surface of the tube 57 and generates a standing wave 55 in the fluid in the tube 57.
Solutes such as particles 58 in the fluid of the tube can be collected in the central part of the tube by ultrasonic waves. When the fluid is water, the speed of sound in water is 1500 m / s, so when the frequency of ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic transducer 53 is 1 MHz,
The wavelength λ is 1.5 mm and the tube width is λ / 2 or λ /
If it is an integer multiple of 2, it will gradually collect at the node or antinode position in the tube while being divided into particles that collect at the node of the standing wave and particles that collect at the antinode depending on the relationship between the sound velocity and density of the particles. . It is desirable that the inner wall of the tube 57 has a thickness of λ / 2. When the material of the tube is quartz glass, the sound velocity is 5400 m / s.
The thickness of the tube with z ultrasound is 2.7 mm. Further, the fluid in the tube may be stationary or flowing. In order to collect the fine particles in the flowing solution, the intensity of ultrasonic waves may be adjusted, the tube length may be adjusted, and the flowing speed may be adjusted according to the size of the collected fine particles.

In this embodiment, a tube having a rectangular cross section is used. However, if an ultrasonic transducer is arranged on the tube wall so that a standing wave is generated in accordance with the shape of the tube, a different shape such as a polygonal tube can be obtained. It can also be used in tubes. Further, it is possible to observe fine particles with a fine particle detector such as a fluorescence detector downstream of this tube, or to take out a concentrated solution portion from the inside of the tube through a thin tube.

More specifically, in the case of the particle detector, the irradiation light 66 incident along the inner wall of the tube hits the particles 58, and the scattered light 68 emitted through the detection window 67 can be observed by the photodetector 69. I can. Therefore, it is possible to effectively observe the fine particles in the fluid by providing an observation window at the position of the node of the sound pressure of the standing wave or the position of the antinode.

FIG. 15 (a) shows a schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the concentrating device. This apparatus has a pipe 57 through which a fluid flows, and a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 53 of the same type which are provided on the outer circumference of the pipe and generate ultrasonic waves having an intensity distribution as shown in FIG. And solutes such as fine particles 58 in the fluid of the tube can be collected in the tube central portion by ultrasonic waves. Here, the X axis is taken parallel to the plane of cutting the tube in the longitudinal direction. A plurality of ultrasonic transducers 53 of the same type arranged around the cylindrical tube wall 57 along the outer circumference.
In the above, when each number of N number of ultrasonic transducers arranged on the circumference is numbered clockwise from No. 1 to N, the ultrasonic wave generated in each ultrasonic transducer is expressed by Similar to the equation (4), the equation (31) is used.

[0085]

[Equation 31]

When such an ultrasonic wave is generated, a m-th order Bessel function-like sound pressure distribution is generated in the X-axis direction in the tube due to the order of m, and a sound pressure distribution as shown in FIG. 15B is created. be able to. To concentrate the fine particles in this tube, the state in which the order of m is high is gradually changed in the tube to a state in which the order of m is low, or even if the order is the same, the ultrasonic transducer is used. Fine particles in the tube can be gradually collected in the center of the tube by increasing the frequency of. The fluid in the tube may be stationary or flowing, and in order to collect the particles in the flowing solution, the intensity of ultrasonic waves may be adjusted according to the size of the particles to be collected, or the tube may be You can adjust the length and the flowing speed.

Although a tube having a circular cross section was used in this embodiment,
Ultrasonic transducer offset δ (i) according to the shape of the tube
Can be used for tubes of different shapes, such as polygonal tubes, if adjusted appropriately. Further, it is possible to observe fine particles with a fine particle detector such as a fluorescence detector downstream of this tube, or to take out a concentrated solution portion from the inside of the tube through a thin tube.

FIG. 16 (a) shows a fourth embodiment of the concentrating device. This device is capable of concentrating fine particles in a solution by using focused ultrasonic waves to make a concentrated solution and a fine solution containing no fine particles. By the cone-shaped focused ultrasonic wave 59 emitted from the focused ultrasonic wave generator 60, the fine particles in the solution poured in the direction 61 of the arrow from the solution injection port 62 are captured in the cone 59, and only the solvent is moved outside the cone. You can leave.

A concentrated solution can be obtained from the tube 63 by sucking the solution in the direction 61 of the arrow using the tube 63 from the vicinity of the apex of the cone. Further, a solution containing no fine particles can be taken out from the pipe 64. The concentration of the solution can be adjusted by adjusting the speed of sucking the solution from the tube 63. When the focused ultrasonic wave generation unit is viewed from the back side, as shown in FIG. 16B, the solution injection port 62 is provided in the central portion, and N fan-shaped ultrasonic wave oscillators 53 are arranged circumferentially. When ultrasonic waves as represented by the mathematical formula (Equation 31) are generated from these N oscillators as in the third embodiment,
An m-th order Bessel function-like sound field is generated in the cone 59.
This sound field traps the particles in the cone.

FIG. 17 shows a fifth embodiment of the concentrating device. This device is capable of concentrating fine particles in a solution by using focused ultrasonic waves to make a concentrated solution and a fine solution containing no fine particles. Focused ultrasonic wave generator 6
Due to the conical focusing ultrasonic wave 59 emitted from 0, the fine particles in the solution poured in the direction 61 of the arrow from the solution injection port 62 cannot enter the cone, and only the solvent enters the inside of the cone. You can A concentrated solution can be obtained from the tube 63 by sucking the solution in the direction 61 of the arrow using the tube 63 outside the cone of focused ultrasound, and by inspecting this solution, fine particles (impurities) can be obtained.
The type of can be specified. Further, the solution containing no fine particles can be taken out from the tube 64 having a suction port in the cone of focused ultrasonic waves. The concentration of the solution can be adjusted by adjusting the speed of sucking the solution from the tube 63. When the focused ultrasonic wave generator 60 is viewed from the rear side, FIG.
As shown in (b), it has a solution injection port 62 in the central portion, and N fan-shaped ultrasonic transducers 53 are arranged circumferentially. This N
When ultrasonic waves as expressed by the mathematical formula (Equation 31) are generated from the individual oscillators as in the case of the third embodiment, m-th order Bessel function-like sound pressure distribution is generated in the cone 59. This sound field prevents the particles from entering the cone.

In this example, the focused traveling wave was used to create the gradient force field by the ultrasonic waves, but a standing wave is used to form a barrier for preventing the diffusion of fine particles entering from the solution inlet,
The same effect as in the present embodiment can be obtained by driving the fine particles from the sound source in the traveling direction of the traveling wave with a plane traveling wave, a diverging traveling wave, or the like.

FIG. 18 shows a sixth embodiment of the concentrating device. This apparatus can concentrate fine particles in a solution by using focused ultrasonic waves to make a concentrated solution, and at the same time, collect fine particles in one place by a traveling wave component of focused ultrasonic waves. Conical focused ultrasonic wave 5 emitted from the focused ultrasonic wave generator 60
9, the fine particles in the tube 65 receive a sound pressure in the direction of the apex of the conical sound field, whereby the fine particles can be collected at the bottom of the tube. When the focused ultrasonic wave generator is viewed from the rear side, the solution injection port 62 is formed at the center as shown in FIG.
, And N fan-shaped ultrasonic transducers 3 are arranged in a circle. When ultrasonic waves as represented by the mathematical formula (Equation 31) are generated from the N oscillators as in the third embodiment, a m-th order Bessel function-like sound pressure distribution is generated in the cone 59. Fine particles are collected in the direction of the apex of the cone by the sound field that converges and advances in this cone.

In this embodiment, the focused traveling wave was used to create the gradient force field by the ultrasonic wave which applies an external force to the fine particles. However, the standing waves are used to concentrate the fine particles to a specific position in the tube or to generate the plane traveling wave. Also, the same effect as that of the present embodiment can be obtained by driving fine particles from the sound source in the traveling direction of the traveling wave by the diverging traveling wave or the like.

Next, an embodiment of the concentrating device in which the means for selectively collecting the fine particles concentrated in a specific range is considered will be described. That is, the fine particles in the fluid are
Provided is a concentrating device capable of selectively recovering target fine particles from a fluid after being focused in a specific range according to the physical characteristics of the ultrasonic radiation pressure. Also,
In this embodiment, the method of applying the radiant pressure of ultrasonic waves for concentrating the fine particles in the fluid does not depend on the shape of the tube.

For the selective recovery of fine particles, the radiation pressure of ultrasonic waves is applied to the fine particles in the fluid to localize the fine particles in a specific range, and then a part of the fluid is ultrasonically used by the inner diameter. The problem is solved by collecting with a capillary tube sufficiently smaller than the wavelength of. That is, an external force is exerted on the fine particles in a non-contact manner by a gradient force field generated by ultrasonic waves in the fluid, and the fine particles gathered in a specific range in the fluid according to the physical characteristics of the fine particles are downstream of the flow of the fluid. Aspirate with negative pressure using a thin tube. Further, for the focusing means of fine particles that does not depend on the shape of the tube, ultrasonic waves are radiated so as to form a spiral acoustic wave with an appropriate phase difference from a plurality of ultrasonic transducers independently arranged around the tube, The problem is solved by gradually decreasing the radius of the concentric circles of the spiral sound field by increasing the frequency, and gradually collecting the particles at the center of the concentric circles. Further, when collecting the fine particles, the external force applied to the fine particles may be appropriately changed by appropriately changing the intensity of the ultrasonic wave.

More specifically, a fluid containing fine particles of metal or protein to be focused is made to flow through a pipe, and the direction of the flow is a standing wave or a traveling wave or a concentric circle of a sound wave in the direction of the normal plane. The particles are made to enter in the form of a spiral sound wave, and the particles are focused at the nodes or antinodes of the standing wave depending on the density of the particles in the fluid and the speed of sound, or the traveling direction of the traveling wave or the opposite direction of the traveling direction. Collect the particles in the or confine the particles in a concentric sound field, and change the size of this concentric circle by changing the frequency of the ultrasonic wave.
It suffices to create a portion where the fine particles are concentrated and a portion where the fine particles do not exist in the fluid. Regarding the degree of concentration, the flow velocity of the fluid and the intensity of ultrasonic waves may be appropriately adjusted. Further, in order to collect a fluid containing concentrated fine particles or a fluid containing no fine particles, a thin tube is placed downstream of the portion of the tube irradiated with ultrasonic waves, and the position of the tip of this thin tube is adjusted appropriately. A part of the target fluid may be recovered by adjusting the pressure and drawing the fluid from this thin tube with a negative pressure.

FIG. 19 shows a schematic diagram (a) of a cross section from one side of a seventh embodiment of the concentrating device and a schematic diagram (b) of the configuration of the tube. This device has a pipe 57 through which a fluid flows,
The tube is composed of an ultrasonic wave generating portion for generating a standing wave 55, and solutes such as fine particles 58 in the fluid of the tube can be collected by the ultrasonic wave. When the fluid is water, the speed of sound in water is 1500 m / s, so when the frequency of the ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic transducer 53 is 1 MHz, the wavelength λ is 1.5 mm and the width 66 of the tube is λ / If it is 2 or an integral multiple of λ / 2, the position of the node or belly in the tube gradually increases while being divided into particles gathering at the node part of the standing wave and particles gathering at the belly part due to the relationship between the speed of sound and the density of the particles. Come to. The thickness of the inner wall of the tube 57 is preferably λ / 2, and when the material of the tube is quartz glass, the sound velocity is 5400 m / s,
The tube thickness at 1 MHz ultrasound is 2.7 mm. Further, the fluid in the tube may be stationary or flowing.
In order to collect the fine particles in the flowing solution, the intensity of the ultrasonic waves may be adjusted, the length of the tube may be adjusted, and the flow velocity of the fluid may be adjusted according to the size of the collected fine particles. After concentrating the fine particles in the fluid, a movable fixed rod 68
By moving the thin tube 67 fixed in the tube 57 to an appropriate position in the tube 57 and sucking the fluid, the thin tube 67 converges the fine particles focused on the node of the standing wave or the position of the belly. A fluid containing fine particles can be selectively sucked or a fluid not containing fine particles can be selectively sucked.

In this embodiment, a tube having a rectangular cross section is used. However, if an ultrasonic transducer is arranged on the tube wall so that a standing wave is generated according to the shape of the tube, a different shape such as a polygonal tube can be obtained. It can also be used in tubes. Further, when a traveling wave is introduced into the tube as a means for focusing the fine particles, the external force as shown in the action acts on the fine particles and can be used as in the case of the standing wave. Further, as another method of focusing ultrasonic waves, as shown in FIG. 20, a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 53 of the same type in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 53 are attached to the tube wall and are arranged along the circumference around the tube wall. In the oscillator 53, each number of N ultrasonic transducers arranged on the circumference is numbered from 1 to N clockwise.
The ultrasonic waves generated by the respective ultrasonic transducers when they are numbered are expressed by the above-mentioned formula 31.

The ultrasonic waves thus obtained are shown in FIG.
The same sound state as in (b) can be created. To concentrate the fine particles in this tube, the state in which the order of m is high is gradually changed in the tube to a state in which the order of m is low, or even if the order is the same, the ultrasonic transducer is used. Fine particles in the tube can be gradually collected in the center of the tube by increasing the frequency of. The fluid in the tube may be stationary or flowing, and in order to collect the particles in the flowing solution, the intensity of ultrasonic waves may be adjusted according to the size of the particles to be collected, or the tube may be You can adjust the length and the flowing speed.

Although a tube having a circular cross section is used in FIG. 20, the offset δ of the ultrasonic transducer is adjusted according to the shape of the tube.
If (i) is adjusted appropriately, it can be used for tubes having different shapes such as polygonal tubes. Therefore, as in the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the concentrated solution portion can be taken out by sucking the concentrated fine particles from the inside of the pipe 57 through the thin tube 67 as in the case of the embodiment of FIG.

According to the embodiment of the present concentrating apparatus, it is possible to contactlessly concentrate or filter fine metal powder, microorganisms, polymer beads, protein molecules, DNA chains, fine particles such as polymers, colloids, etc. in a fluid. There is an effect that can be.

Next, an embodiment of the concentrating device in the case where the particle size is extremely small and the force acting on the fine particles by ultrasonic waves cannot be directly used will be described.

The attachment of fine particles to the surface of bubbles has been reported in the literature and the like, and as a method applying the principle of attachment of fine particles to the surface of bubbles, the flotation method is used. is there. In this embodiment, fine particles having an extremely fine particle size are attached to the surface of bubbles as in the flotation method, and the bubbles to which the particles are attached are handled by the above-mentioned concentrating device.

FIG. 21 shows a schematic diagram for explaining the basic principle of this embodiment. The fine particles 72 flowing in the direction of the arrow 71 in the pipe 73 through which the fluid flows are placed in the sound field generated by the ultrasonic source 74 combined with the wall of the pipe so as to generate the standing wave 87 in the pipe. Go ahead. The radiation pressure of ultrasonic waves decreases in proportion to the cube of the particle size, so the particle size is 1 μm.
It is difficult to capture fine particles of less than the above by direct radiation pressure of ultrasonic waves. Therefore, bubbles are introduced into the fluid, fine particles are attached to the surface thereof, and the bubbles are captured by a standing wave. As means for generating bubbles, there are means for directly generating air by directly feeding air into the tube to generate bubbles, and means for generating bubbles 75 having fine particles 72 on the surface by using fine particles as cavitation nuclei for bubble generation. . The generated bubbles counter the flow of the fluid by the non-contact external force as described above due to the radiation pressure of the standing wave in the sound field, and are stably captured in the ultrasonic sound field. In particular,
In the case of bubbles, they expand and contract in resonance with changes in the sound pressure of ultrasonic waves, so that they can stay in the sound field stably against the flow of fluid. The external force that captures the bubbles containing fine particles is
It changes by changing the intensity of the sound field generated by the ultrasonic wave generation source, and the minimum particle size of the fine particles necessary for the generation of bubbles with fine particles as the bubble nucleus is smaller if the intensity of the sound field increases. Therefore, the intensity of the sound field may be changed according to the minimum particle size of the particles to be captured. Further, when the captured fine particles are taken out, by turning off the ultrasonic wave generation source, the external force for capturing the fine particles disappears instantly, so that the fine particles captured downstream of the pipe can be recovered.

When bubbles are generated by cavitation, the sound measuring microphone 86 is introduced into the sound for generating cavitation, and the ratio of the frequency division of the irradiated ultrasonic waves is observed. It can be seen that when the ratio is high, bubbles are effectively generated.

FIG. 22 shows the effect of trapping fine particles by the device constructed as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. Here, PZT-based ceramics of 1 MHz resonance is used as the ultrasonic wave generation source, and quartz glass having a thickness of 2.78 mm is used for the tube with an inner diameter of 3 mm.
It was constructed so that four standing waves could be generated in the tube.
At this time, when the fine particles were flowed in ultrapure water with a flow rate of 2.55 cm / s under the application of a sine wave of 120 V and 1 MHz to the ultrasonic transducer, the fine particles having the particle size and number distribution shown by the solid line (3538 / min) decreased to the distribution (874 / min) as shown by the broken line.

The basic structure of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This device has a pipe 73 for transporting a fluid, an ultrasonic wave generation device for generating a standing wave and a trapping device 76 for generating bubbles in the pipe, and a branch valve for switching the flow path of the fluid. 77, light source 7 for observing particles in tubes
8, an observation window 79, an observation device 80, and a control device 81 for controlling an ultrasonic wave generation source and a branch valve based on information from the observation device. Reference numeral 82 represents observation light. Impurities 7
The fluid containing 2 flows in the pipe 73 in the direction of arrow 71. An ultrasonic wave generation source 76 having an ultrasonic transducer 74 adhered inside the pipe is connected to a certain portion in the pipe, and when the fine particles of impurities reach this portion, bubbles 75 are formed by using the fine particles of the impurities as bubble nuclei. The generated impurity fine particles adhere to the surface of the bubbles. The bubbles are easily captured by the standing wave and stay in the position of the sound pressure antinode. The generated bubbles and impurity fine particles flow in the flow direction 71 of the fluid in the tube by stopping the ultrasonic vibrator.

Therefore, by changing the flow from the direction of the flow 83 to the direction of the flow 84 by the branch valve 77 downstream of the flow, another fluid containing bubbles and fine particles can be selectively selected. Further, a device for observing fine particles in a fluid is installed at the site of the ultrasonic wave generation source, and upstream and downstream thereof, and based on information from these devices, the ultrasonic wave generation source from the control device The strength and the branch valve of the valve are controlled to selectively capture the fine particles, and then the fine particles can be collected in the water tank 85 using the branch valve.
Regarding the timing of ultrasonic wave irradiation, as shown in the time table of FIG. 23 (b), the water flow is made to flow in the direction of arrow 83 only when the ultrasonic wave is on, and when the ultrasonic wave is off, the valve 77 is used.
Is controlled so that the fluid containing the fine particles is guided in the direction of the arrow 84 and discharged into the water tank 85.

In this example, PZT ceramics with 1 MHz resonance was used for the ultrasonic vibrator, and the tube had a thickness of 2.78.
mm quartz glass was used with an inner diameter of 3 mm. At this time, it was possible to capture the polystyrene beads having a diameter of 0.3 μm in the ultrapure water having a flow rate of 2.55 cm / s while applying a sine wave of 120 V and 1 MHz to the ultrasonic transducer.

In this embodiment, ultrasonic waves are used as the bubble generating means, but it is also possible to generate bubbles by introducing air into the tube using a microtube. Further, in the case of generating bubbles by ultrasonic waves, in FIG. 21, sound waves of different frequencies are made incident from two opposed ultrasonic vibrators 74, or ultrasonic waves of a frequency at which no standing wave is generated in the tube are made incident. You may. For example, the frequency ω at which the diameter inside the tube is λ / 2 and the two frequencies 2ω may be generated from the two ultrasonic transducers. Alternatively, the two ultrasonic transducers may simultaneously generate a frequency (ω + δω) slightly shifted from ω.

Further, in the present embodiment, ultrasonic waves were radiated perpendicularly to the flow direction of the fluid to create a potential minimum location in the sound field and capture it. However, as shown in FIG. A sound wave may be incident to cause a standing wave in the tube to capture the fine particles in the fluid, and the valve 90 may be occasionally opened to discharge the fluid containing the captured fine particles.

FIG. 25 shows another block diagram of this embodiment shown in FIG. The device comprises a tube 73 for transporting a fluid and
1 and 23, ultrasonic waves are generated in the tube to generate standing waves, a capturing device 76, a plurality of water tanks 85 for capturing the fluid, a plurality of water tanks for discharging the fluid 8
4 includes a carriage 88 to be moved to the position 4, a motor 89 having means for confirming the amount of movement of the carriage, and a controller 81 for controlling the output of the ultrasonic wave source and the movement of the motor. The arrow 71 indicates the fluid containing the impurities 72.
Flows through the pipe 73 in the direction of. An ultrasonic wave generation source 76 having an ultrasonic transducer 74 adhered inside the pipe is connected to a certain portion in the pipe, and when the fine particles of impurities reach this portion, bubbles 75 are formed by using the fine particles of the impurities as bubble nuclei. The generated impurity fine particles adhere to the surface of the bubbles. The bubbles are easily captured by the standing wave and stay in the position of the sound pressure antinode. The generated bubbles and impurity fine particles flow in the flow direction 71 of the fluid in the tube by stopping the ultrasonic vibrator.

Therefore, as shown in the time table of FIG. 25 (b), ultrasonic waves are turned on and off in the downstream of the flow, and the water tank in the fluid discharge section is moved in synchronism therewith to selectively select the fluid containing fine particles. To collect.

According to the present embodiment, the impurities having a fine particle size are removed in a non-contact manner by using the bubbles that can be freely produced and extinguished. Impurity removal and collection methods that have both functions and selective removal and collection functions have become possible.

(Embodiment for Realizing Diffraction Device) Next, an embodiment of a diffractive device for light, microwaves or ultrasonic waves using means for capturing fine particles using ultrasonic waves will be described.

Diffraction and scattering of light using conventional ultrasonic waves are
It takes advantage of the fact that when ultrasonic waves are transmitted through a medium that transmits light, the density of the medium changes, and the refractive index of the medium changes. It is being appreciated.

In general, the equation of diffraction by a grating created by ultrasonic waves is similar to that of an ordinary optical grating, and when light is incident perpendicularly on the grating, the diffraction angle θ of the nth order is

[0118]

[Equation 32]

It can be expressed as Where θ
Is the diffraction angle, λ is the wavelength of light in the medium, and Λ is the wavelength of ultrasonic waves. Therefore, in this diffraction grating, the diffraction angle θ can be changed according to the change of the wavelength Λ of the ultrasonic wave. Further, the diffraction phenomenon itself can be controlled according to the on / off of the output of the ultrasonic waves.

Further, the ratio δ of the 1st-order diffracted light / the 0th-order diffracted light
I is

[0121]

[Expression 33]

It can be set as Here, λ is the wavelength of light, L is the optical path length in the sound field, M is the scattering constant of the fluid, and i is the intensity (watt / m ² ) of the incident ultrasonic wave. The value of M is the tellurium dioxide (T
eO ₂ ) becomes 5.0, and the diffraction efficiency is the wavelength λ of the incident light.
= 0.68 μm, L = 1 mm, i = 1 (W / m ² ),
It becomes about 60 to 80% (2). Similarly, lead molybdenum has a diffraction efficiency of about 30% from M = 0.22,
As can be seen from Formula 33, this efficiency has a large change in the diffraction efficiency according to the change in the wavelength of the light used, the optical path length, and the ultrasonic intensity. Therefore, the wavelength of the laser used and the intensity of the ultrasonic wave are determined in advance. It is necessary to configure and use the device after installation. With other substances, M = 1.0 for water, but M = 0.006 for quartz and M = 0.0 for sapphire.
The diffraction efficiency for the irradiation intensity of ultrasonic waves such as 01 is generally not very good. Further, in a gas such as air, the change in the refractive index is as small as less than 1% with respect to the pressure change of about 10 atm, which makes it difficult to be a practical technique.

The change in the sound velocity of the fluid with respect to the change in pressure is 1403 m / s at 1 atm of water at 0 ° C. and 1410 m / s at 36 atm, which is only about 0.5% change. However, it is difficult to diffract ultrasonic waves using a diffraction grating created by a change in ultrasonic pressure.

A conventional diffractometer using ultrasonic waves utilizes the fact that the refractive index, sound velocity, etc. of a fluid change according to the pressure applied to the fluid, and is a solid crystal with a large relative scattering constant M. Alternatively, when a liquid is used, an effect as a Bragg diffraction grating having a diffraction efficiency of about 60% appears with respect to light such as an argon laser, a helium-neon laser, and a YAG laser, but with respect to a short-wavelength laser such as a helium-cadmium laser. Has poor transmittance. Also, for a long-wavelength laser such as a carbon dioxide laser, an ultrasonic diffraction grating using germanium as a medium can be used, but this is also very inefficient. Furthermore, Equation 33
Since the diffraction efficiency is determined as shown in, when a device system that is configured to have the best diffraction efficiency for a light source of a specific wavelength is used at any wavelength, the diffraction efficiency is significantly degraded depending on the wavelength. have done.

Further, when a gas is used as the medium of ultrasonic waves, it is difficult to obtain a sufficient change in the refractive index using the acoustic field of ultrasonic waves, and the diffraction efficiency is about several percent. Furthermore, in the conventional device, the number of diffraction gratings increases from one due to the Doppler effect due to the progress of ultrasonic waves that form the diffraction grating.
It has been split into three.

The present embodiment makes use of the features of the conventional light diffraction grating using ultrasonic waves, and has a performance of 80% or more of the diffraction efficiency of a conventional slit plate diffraction grating for light of an arbitrary wavelength. It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that can be used as a diffraction grating for microwaves and ultrasonic waves.

In this embodiment, the radiation pressure of ultrasonic waves is effectively utilized to collect fine particles having a refractive index or sound velocity significantly different from that of the fluid mixed in the fluid in an arbitrary pattern. Alternatively, cavitation is caused in the fluid, and the generated bubbles are captured and collected in an arbitrary pattern. Further, in order to control the radiant pressure of the ultrasonic wave and to collect the fine particles in an arbitrary pattern, the ultrasonic wave source is composed of a combination of a plurality of independently controllable ultrasonic wave source, and each phase is Control to create the desired pattern.

FIG. 26 shows a schematic diagram for explaining the basic principle of this embodiment. First, the fluid 93 containing the fine particles 94 is
It is sandwiched between two glass plates 92, and ultrasonic transducers 91 are placed at both ends of these two glass plates so that a standing wave 95 is generated in the glass plates. FIG. 26 (a)
Shows the situation when the ultrasonic wave is off, and the fine particles are diffused in the fluid and do not show any diffracting effect on the light incident through the glass plate. FIG. 26 (b) shows the situation when the ultrasonic wave is on, in which the fine particles that have been uniformly diffused in the fluid are the positions of the nodes or antinodes of the standing wave depending on the density and the speed of sound of the fluid. Shown at the meeting.

Then, the diffraction grating is formed in the fluid by the fine particles arrayed and assembled in the standing wave. The formula of diffraction by a grating created by ultrasonic waves is the same as in the case of an ordinary optical grating, and when light is incident perpendicularly on the grating, the diffraction angle θ of the nth order is

[0130]

[Equation 34]

It can be expressed as The resolution of light in the diffraction grating is dθ / dλ = (2n / Λ) cosθ, and when the total number of grating lines is N, the resolution is λ / dλ.
= NN, which is much larger than the prism. However,
Here, θ is the diffraction angle, λ is the wavelength of light in the medium, and Λ is the wavelength of ultrasonic waves. Further, in this diffraction grating, the spacing between the diffraction gratings changes according to the change of the ultrasonic wave wavelength Λ, so that the diffraction angle θ can be changed by appropriately changing the wavelength of the ultrasonic wave. Further, the diffraction grating can be generated and disappeared by controlling the ultrasonic waves on and off. Furthermore, the splitting of the diffraction fringes into three due to the Doppler effect that occurs when a direct diffraction grating is made by ultrasonic waves is not observed in the standing wave due to the inertia of the particles.

FIG. 27 shows a schematic diagram of a specific example of this embodiment. Light diffracting device 106 using ultrasonic waves used in this embodiment
Is configured as described in FIG. 26, and can be used as a monochromator. First, the incident light 107 passes through the collimator 109 to become parallel light, and then enters the light diffraction device 106. Then, the incident light 107 is diffracted by the diffraction grating in the device. In particular, by changing the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer, the light of a single wavelength is diffracted in the direction of the diffracted light 181, 182, or 183 according to the relationship of Expression 33 according to the change. Therefore, the incident light is diffracted by selecting the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer that can output the light of the target wavelength as the diffracted light 182 from the white light. Diffracted light 18
2 passes through the auxiliary collimator 110 and is supplied to the detection device.

In this embodiment, the wavelength of the diffracted light supplied to the detection device can be changed substantially continuously by changing the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer without mechanical operation. . Further, in a device including a plurality of independent ultrasonic transducers as shown in FIG. 28, ultrasonic waves of different phases are emitted from the ultrasonic transducers, and a sound field of an arbitrary shape created by superimposing these is generated. It is also possible to form a holographic grating by trapping fine particles on the holographic grating. Therefore, a holographic image that changes continuously by changing the holographic grating by sequentially changing the sound field while injecting monochromatic light into the holographic grating can be formed. You can also make it.

Although the diffraction of the transmitted light is used in this embodiment, the diffraction of the reflected light can be similarly used. Furthermore, the intensity ratio between the 0th-order diffracted light and the 1st-order or 1st-order or higher-order diffracted light with respect to the incident light is acquired and compared by using a light intensity detection device such as a plurality of photon counters. It is also possible to estimate the amount of fine particles to be used. At this time, by continuously guiding the fluid containing the fine particles into this container, the ratio of the diffraction intensities of the 0th-order diffracted light and the 1st-order or higher-order diffracted light is continuously observed, and the fluid in the fluid is continuously It is also possible to observe changes in the amount of fine particles.

Although the diffraction of the transmitted light is used in this embodiment, the diffraction of the reflected light can be similarly used. Furthermore, the intensity ratio between the 0th-order diffracted light and the 1st-order or 1st-order or higher-order diffracted light with respect to the incident light is acquired and compared by using a light intensity detection device such as a plurality of photon counters. It is also possible to estimate the amount of fine particles to be used. At this time, by continuously guiding the fluid containing the fine particles into this container, the ratio of the diffraction intensities of the 0th-order diffracted light and the 1st-order or higher-order diffracted light is continuously observed, and the fluid in the fluid is continuously It is also possible to observe changes in the amount of fine particles.

In the above description, the case where light is used as the wave diffracted by the diffracting device has been explained.
Not only this, but also for waves such as microwaves and ultrasonic waves, by using fine particles having a different refractive index from the fluid in the microwave region, or fine particles having a different sound velocity from the fluid in the ultrasonic region, they are used in the same way as in the case of light. be able to. Also,
In the present example, fine particles were introduced into the fluid and captured at a specific position by ultrasonic waves, but bubbles were generated in the fluid by the cavitation caused by the ultrasonic waves and captured by ultrasonic waves at a specific position. You may.

In this embodiment, while utilizing the characteristics of the conventional light diffracting device using ultrasonic waves, the diffraction efficiency of the conventional diffraction grating of the slit plate for the light of the wavelength which cannot be achieved by the conventional device. And the effect that it can be used as a diffraction grating for microwaves and ultrasonic waves.

[0138]

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, fine particles can be fixed at an arbitrary position, moved and conveyed at an arbitrary speed in an arbitrary direction, which is not possible with the conventional technique, and a specific range can be obtained. It is possible to collect or exclude the fine particles and the like existing in the.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a relationship diagram between the size of (-G) and the type of fine particles, (a) shows a gradient force acting on iridium, and (b) shows a gradient force acting on polyethylene.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first basic configuration for capturing fine particles by a gradient force field, where (a) shows a device structure and (b) shows a potential.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a second basic configuration for capturing fine particles by a gradient force field, where (a) shows the device structure and (b) shows the potential.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an ultrasonic manipulation device to which the basic configuration according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 5 is a configuration block diagram of a control circuit of the first embodiment of the ultrasonic manipulation device to which the basic configuration according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of an ultrasonic manipulation device to which the basic configuration according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view from the side and top of a third embodiment of an ultrasonic manipulation device to which the basic configuration according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of a fourth embodiment of an ultrasonic manipulation device to which the basic configuration according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of a fifth embodiment of an ultrasonic manipulation device to which the basic configuration according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view from above of a sixth embodiment of an ultrasonic manipulation device to which the basic configuration according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of a seventh embodiment of an ultrasonic manipulation device to which the basic configuration according to the invention is applied.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view from above of an eighth embodiment of an ultrasonic manipulation device to which the basic configuration according to the present invention is applied.

13 (a) and 13 (b) are schematic views showing a first embodiment of a concentrating device to which the basic structure according to the present invention is applied, and FIG. 13 (a) shows (b) at the position AA. In the direction of the arrow,
(B) is the figure which looked at (a) at the position of BB in the arrow direction.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing a second embodiment of the concentrating device to which the basic constitution according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 15 (a) is a schematic view showing a third embodiment of the concentrating device to which the basic constitution according to the present invention is applied. (B) is an ultrasonic wave intensity distribution chart in the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 (a) is a schematic view showing a fourth embodiment of a concentrating device to which the basic constitution according to the present invention is applied. FIG. 6B is a schematic view from the back of the focused ultrasonic wave generator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing a fifth embodiment of the concentrating device to which the basic constitution according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing a sixth embodiment of the concentrating device to which the basic constitution according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a seventh embodiment of the concentrating device to which the basic constitution according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing an eighth embodiment of the concentrating device to which the basic constitution according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating the basic principle of an impurity removing device or a fine particle capturing and collecting device to which the basic configuration according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the effect of an impurity removing device or a fine particle capturing / collecting device to which the basic structure according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing a device configuration and a time table of an embodiment of an impurity removal device or a fine particle capture and recovery device to which the basic configuration according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 24 is a schematic view showing another device configuration of an embodiment of the impurity removing device or the fine particle capturing and collecting device to which the basic configuration according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing another device configuration and time table of an embodiment of the impurity removing device or the fine particle capturing and collecting device to which the basic configuration according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram illustrating the basic principle of a diffractive device to which the basic configuration according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a diffractive device to which the basic configuration according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 28 is a schematic view from above showing one example of the diffractive device to which the basic structure according to the present invention is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Ultrasonic wave generating element or transmitting / receiving element 1-1, 1-
2, ... 1-N ... Ultrasonic wave generating element or wave transmitting / receiving element incorporated in the apparatus, 2 ... Container, 3 ... Wave packet, 4 ... Solution, 5
... fine particles, 6 ... movement direction of fine particles, 7 ... observation window, 8 ...
Cover glass, 9 ... Microscope stage, 10 ... Microscope objective lens, 11 ... Minimum point of gradient force field generated by superposition of a plurality of ultrasonic vibrations, 12 ... Gradient force field generated by superposition of a plurality of ultrasonic vibrations Coordinates-potential curve, 13 ... Ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving element control and control panel, 14 ... Main control circuit of experimental apparatus system, 15 ... Generated waveform storage circuit storing phase, intensity, etc. of N ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving elements , 16 ... Wave transmitting circuit of N ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving elements, 17 ...
Wave receiving circuits of N ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving elements, 18 ... Received waveform calculation / analysis circuit, 19 ... Data, information display device, 20 ... Metal plate, 21 ... Moving direction of converged ultrasonic waves. 35 ... Three-dimensional manipulation device, 31 ... Ultrasonic transducer, 32 ... Acoustic lens.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Kazuo Takeda 1-280, Higashi Koikekubo, Kokubunji, Tokyo Inside Central Research Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Inventor Noritaka Uchida 2520 Akanuma, Hatoyama-cho, Hiki-gun, Saitama Hitachi, Ltd. In the basic research institute (72) Inventor Yoshinori Harada 2520 Akanuma, Hatoyama-cho, Hiki-gun, Saitama Hitachi, Ltd. Basic research institute (72) Ino Masao Kamahori, 2520 Akanuma, Hatoyama-cho, Hiki-gun, Saitama (72) Inventor Kazuaki Sasaki 2520, Akanuma, Hatoyama-cho, Hiki-gun, Saitama Prefecture, Research Institute of Hitachi, Ltd. (56) References JP-A-1-135515 (JP, A) JP-A-3-21340 (JP, A) ) Tokusho 61-500278 (JP, A) Tokusho 63-503370 (JP, A) Tokuhei Hei 2-501631 (JP, A) International Publication 91/013674 (WO, A1) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B01D 57/02 B01J 19/10

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. An electrophoretic unit for performing gel electrophoresis, an ultrasonic wave generating unit for causing a standing wave in the gel, and a voltage applying unit for applying a potential difference to the electrophoretic unit, The processing apparatus, wherein the ultrasonic wave generator includes ultrasonic vibrators that are installed to face both side surfaces of the electrophoretic unit. 2. The ultrasonic wave generator changes a frequency,
The processing device according to claim 1, wherein a node position or an antinode position of the standing wave is located at the center of a lane provided in the gel. 3. The ultrasonic wave generation unit is a sample to be electrophoresed,
The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a sound pressure changed according to the speed of electrophoresis is applied. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a detector near the lower end of the gel. Wherein said gel slab gel, the processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the disc gel is either capillary gel.