Two dimensional thermoelectric platforms for thermocapillary droplet actuation
Abstract
Thermocapillary droplet actuation on a substrate is based on the mechanism that droplets can be driven to the cooler regions via surface tension modulation by varying the temperature. The usual method of providing a temperature gradient or temperature difference for thermocapillary droplet actuation is via resistor heaters, in which the rise in temperature can be achieved by increasing the passing currents, yet the cooling function relies on the natural conduction and/or convection. A thermoelectric (