Observation of microsphere clusters separated by pulsed laser in water environment

Abstract

A separation experiment of polystyrene microspheres in water based on tapered fiber pulsed laser system was carried out. We analyzed the motion images during the separation of polystyrene microsphere clusters and investigated the influence of laser energy and initial cluster positions on the separation results. Through the study of bubbles generated by pulsed laser separation of microsphere clusters, we summarized the process of micron-sized bubble formation and the factors contributing to their prolonged existence. Additionally, we clarified the separation mechanism of microsphere clusters. The results indicate that as the laser energy increases, the separation effect of microsphere clusters improves from 151 μm to 170 μm. When the laser energy is 50.1 μJ, a more significant initial distance leads to weaker separation effects. Furthermore, the diameter of micron-sized bubbles is positively correlated with separation effects.