Transverse dipolar chaining in binary suspensions induced by rf fields

Abstract

The problem of structure formation in colloidal systems composed of polarizable and conducting particles is considered. It is demonstrated that, in certain frequency ranges of the applied field, the dipole interaction leads to patterns whereby particles of different types are connected across field lines. By applying a Monte Carlo simulation, the main characteristics of the chaining process in a mixture of polystyrene beads and yeast cells are analysed. A good correlation between the theoretical model applied and experimental data is achieved. The data show that different aggregation patterns occur as a function of frequency.