Electric field funnels for guiding charged nanoparticles. Simple models for exact solutions

TL;DR

This paper introduces two exactly solvable 2D models for electric field configurations that can guide and focus charged nanoparticles, aiding nanoprinting technology.

Contribution

It presents novel simple models using complex analysis to precisely calculate electric field lines for nanoparticle guidance.

Findings

Models successfully describe electric funnels between dipoles and plates

Exact solutions enable precise control of nanoparticle trajectories

Potential applications in nanoprinting engineering

Abstract

Static electric fields can be configured to guide charged nanoparticles along the electric field lines. Some field line configurations can focus the nanoparticles to prescribed places thus acting as electric funnels. Despite the importance of funnels for nanoprinting , there is a lack of formulation and understanding. We present two solvable models in two dimensions (2D) as far as it allows one to use the complex plane for exact calculation of the field lines. One model deals with two fixed dipoles such that the external electric field tries to squeeze through between them thus forming a funnel. The other one deals with a couple of parallel conducting plates with a hole where the external field comes through also creating a funnel. The results obtained may be useful for configuring the electric field for nanoprinting engineering.