High electric field / droplet levitation

[phy_eng]

Dear All,

I know this may sound a bit of a broad approach for a question but I would like to know what equipment I would need to create a very high electric field in order to levitate a non-highly conductive droplet (from water to water + salts but not metallic, in the milli-microscale). I will start doing some basic calculations soon but if someone could help me with ideas, equipment, considerations about the shape and materials of the electrodes or safety components that I will potentally need I would really appreciate it! In a similar way if someone knows about good literature/papers on the topic or works in a similar topic please let me know!

Thanks!

 

[tech99]

Dear All,

I know this may sound a bit of a broad approach for a question but I would like to know what equipment I would need to create a very high electric field in order to levitate a non-highly conductive droplet (from water to water + salts but not metallic, in the milli-microscale). I will start doing some basic calculations soon but if someone could help me with ideas, equipment, considerations about the shape and materials of the electrodes or safety components that I will potentally need I would really appreciate it! In a similar way if someone knows about good literature/papers on the topic or works in a similar topic please let me know!

Thanks!

I suggest you look at the Millikan Oil Drop experiment, and the serious problems that had to be overcome.