Time-optimal control of a particle in a dielectrophoretic system

Abstract

We study the time-optimal control of a particle in a dielectrophoretic system. This system consists of a time-varying non-uniform electric field which acts upon the particle by inducing a dipole moment within it. The interaction between the dipole and the electric field generates the motion of the particle. The control is the voltage on the electrodes which creates the electric field. Such systems have wide applications in bio/nanotechnology. in regard to time-optimal control, we address the issue of existence and uniqueness of optimal trajectories. Copyright © 2005 IFAC.