公开(公告)号：US10551610B2

公开(公告)日：2020-02-04

申请号：US15539508

申请日：2015-12-23

Applicant: NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA ,  BANK OF CANADA

Inventor： Daniel Brassard ,  Lidija Malic ,  Keith J. Morton ,  Teodor Veres ,  Charles D. Macpherson ,  Theodoros Garanzotis

IPC: G02B26/00 ,  G02B26/08 ,  G02F1/29 ,  G02B26/02 ,  G02B1/00 ,  B42D25/405 ,  B42D25/29 ,  B82B1/00 ,  B42D25/36 ,  G02F1/01 ,  G06Q30/00 ,  G02F1/167 ,  G02F1/17

Abstract: Gravitational Janus microparticle having, a center-of-mass, a center-of-volume, and a non¬uniform density, wherein: the center-of-mass and the center-of-volume are distinct. When suspended in a fluid, the microparticle substantially aligns with either: i) the gravitational field; or ii) the direction of an acceleration, such that the Janus microparticle is in substantial rotation equilibrium. After perturbation from substantial rotational equilibrium, the Janus microparticle reversibly rotates to return to substantial rotational equilibrium. The gravitational Janus microparticle may comprise at least two portions, each having distinct physical and/or chemical characteristics, wherein at least one portion provides a detectable effect following rotation and alignment of the microparticle.