Public defence in Automation, Systems and Control Engineering, M.Sc. Diluka Patikiri Arachchige

The title of the thesis: Manipulation of nonmagnetic particles and liquids on a programmable air-ferrofluid interface

Thesis defender: Diluka Patikiri Arachchige
Opponent: Dr. Aude Bolopion, FEMTO-ST Institute, France
Custos: Prof. Quan Zhou, Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation

Magnetic manipulation has traditionally been limited to magnetic materials, restricting its broader use. This doctoral thesis presents novel magnetic manipulation methods for manipulating non-magnetic particles and liquids on an air-ferrofluid interface using magnetic fields, unlocking new possibilities in industrial processes and biomedical research. 

Conventional approaches often rely on mechanical manipulation or coating non-magnetic materials with magnetic particles, which can introduce limitations or alter material properties. By leveraging the air-ferrofluid interface and integrating linear programming and data-efficient AI-driven techniques, this research establishes a non-invasive and efficient approach for manipulation of nonmagnetic materials. This method enhances the toolkit available to researchers and engineers, enabling a broader range of applications. The study demonstrated key capabilities, introducing methods for controlling non-magnetic particles along pre-defined paths at the ferrofluid surface. It also presented novel approaches for shaping non-magnetic liquids into desired shapes, as well as for achieving rotation and mixing of liquids. Additionally, the study enabled the formation of shaped thin films from manipulated droplets. These results highlight the method's adaptability, versatility, and reproducibility. 

This work represents a significant step in advancing magnetic manipulation techniques for non-magnetic materials, thereby expanding the scope of magnetic manipulation to include a broader range of materials. These techniques could be potentially applied in organizing biomaterials such as cells into specific configurations, paving the way for future applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In summary, this thesis introduces magnetic manipulation techniques that expand existing capabilities, integrating AI-driven methods to enhance adaptability and efficiency. It establishes a foundation for innovative applications in both established and emerging fields.

Keywords: magnetic manipulation, shaping, air-liquid interface, droplet, non-magnetic

Thesis available for public display 10 days prior to the defence at: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/doc_public/eonly/riiputus/

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Doctoral theses in the School of Electrical Engineering: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/handle/123456789/53