Reconfigurable assembly, disassembly, and self-propulsion of microparticles via optoelectronic tweezers (opens in new tab)

Reconfigurability and autonomous mobility are critical for micro/nanorobot systems to perform complex tasks. Here, we propose a synergistic optoelectric control strategy based on an optoelectronic tweezers (OET) platform, which enables the controllable assembly and disassembly of heterogeneous microparticles through electric field induced dipole interactions and electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flows. We find that the assembled structures exhibit stable self-propulsion and can move directionally alo...