In this work, we discuss and demonstrate the
principle features of surface acoustic wave (SAW) aerosol
generation, based on the properties of the fluid supply, the
acoustic wave field and the acoustowetting phenomena.
Furthermore, we demonstrate a compact SAW-based aero-
sol generator amenable to mass production fabricated
using simple techniques including photolithography, com-
puterized numerical control (CNC) milling and printed
circuit board (PCB) manufacturing. Using this device,
we present comprehensive experimental results exploring
the complexity of the acoustic atomization process and
the influence of fluid supply position and geometry,
SAW power and fluid flow rate on the device functional-
ity. These factors in turn influence the droplet size distri-
bution, measured here, that is important for applications
including liquid chromatography, pulmonary therapies,
thin film deposition and olfactory displays.

• Compact SAW aerosol generator