Particle Separation with Ultrasound Radiation Force

An ultrasonic radiation force allows the aggregation of particles at a particular position determined by their acoustic properties. Their behavior in the ultrasound field can basically be understood within the framework of the classical physics. The combination of this force field with an appropriate flow system promises the development of a novel scheme for particle separation. In this paper, several separation methods where the ultrasound radiation force is utilized are reviewed from a critical viewpoint, and their further possibility and horizons are discussed.