Cross-type optical particle separation in a microchannel

A continuous, real-time optical particle separation, which was previously delineated theoretically, is successfully implemented experimentally for the first time. In this method, particles suspended in a flowing fluid are irradiated with a laser beam propagating in a direction perpendicular to direction of fluid flow. Upstream of the laser beam, the particles move parallel to the direction of fluid flow. When the particles pass through the laser beam, the scattering force pushes them in the direction of laser beam propagation, causing the particles to be displaced perpendicular to the fluid flow direction. This displacement, known as the retention distance, depends on the particle size and the laser beam parameters. Finally, the particles escape from the laser beam and maintain their retention distances as they move downstream. In the present work, the trajectories and retention distances of polystyrene latex microspheres with three distinct diameters were monitored and measured using cross-type optical particle separation. The measured retention distances for different-sized particles were in good agreement with theoretical predictions.     

A study on the mixing characteristics in a hybrid type microchannel with various obstacle configurations

Micromixer can be classified into two categories: active and passive mixers. An active mixer uses an external force, typically an electric power input, to stir the samples in the microchannel. Passive mixers, on the other hand, have either small protrusion in the microchannel or rough surfaces on the microchannel wall to enhance mixing without requiring any external energy input. In this study, we numerically investigated the mixing phenomena in the hybrid type microchannel combined both active and passive function. The modeling of passive type microchannel with different shaped obstacles (rectangular, triangular and cylindrical configurations, respectively) is conducted, which were mounted on top and bottom walls with groove pitch to height ratio. Also, we have accorded active effects as applied to electric fields and compared mixing performance with both types of microchannel. The incompressible Navier–Stokes equation is solved in this model, and the convection–diffusion equation was used to describe the concentration of the dissolved substances in the fluid. The concentration, flow and electric fields in the channel were calculated and the results were graphically depicted for various flow and electric conditions.     

Hydrodynamic focusing of a particle flux

Based on numerical integration of the equations of mechanics of multiphase media, an effect of focusing of a particle flux generated by a source located on the upper wall of a closed vessel has been revealed and investigated.Notation t time - x, y Cartesian coordinates - U₁ (u ₁, v₁),P, ₁ velocity, pressure, and density of the gas - ₂,U ₂ mean density and velocity of the dispersed phase - V _k , r _k velocity and radius vector of a macroparticle - g gravitational acceleration - e(0–1) gravity force vector - dynamic viscosity of the gas - f friction force of particles in the gas - Eu, Re Euler and Reynolds numbers - dimensionless time of the high-rate relaxation of particles Élektrogorsk Research Center, Russia; Institute of Mechanics and Biomechanics, Sofia, Bulgaria; Institute for Problems in Mechanics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow. Translated from Inzhenerno-Fizicheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 68, No. 3, pp. 355–360, May–June, 1995.     

Polymer-based flexible microlens arrays with hermaphroditic focusing properties

Polymer microlens arrays with hermaphroditic focusing behaviors are demonstrated. Each microlens in an arrays exhibits either converging or diverging focus, depending on the polarization direction of the incident light. A polymer film with patterned microlens arrays is flexible, lightweight, and ultrathin (approximately 50 microm). Details of the lens structure, device fabrication, and lens performance are described.     

Ultrasonic phased arrays with variable geometric focusing for hyperthermia applications

An ultrasonic applicator, which utilizes both electronic and variable geometric focusing, for deep-localized hyperthermia is investigated. The applicator is based around a linear phased array that furnishes its electronic focusing capability. The output of the array radiates through a spherical liquid-lens that provides the applicator a variable geometric focusing capability as well. A lens of this type adds dynamic focusing to the elevation dimension of the linear phased array. By controlling the volume of liquid in the lens (and thus the radius of curvature of its membrane), dynamic control of the geometrical focus can be achieved. Comparisons of computer simulations and experimental measurements of the field intensity distribution of a small-scale prototype applicator are presented. Important design parameters, such as the choice of the liquid for the lens and the size and number of array elements, are examined.     

具有三维聚焦之微型流式细胞/颗粒计数仪

本研究提出一种新式的微型细胞颗粒计数器,此微型细胞颗粒计数器结合二维水力聚焦及微文件流结构(micro-weir structure)于微管道中,可进行高精确度及均一性的细胞或颗粒计数,本研究是利用简单的等向性(isotropie)的湿式蚀刻技术来制作微文件流结构于玻璃基材上,而此微型细胞颗粒计数器的主要构成的组件包含二维边鞘流的聚焦结构,其主要功能为将细胞或颗粒聚焦于x-Y平面上,而微文件流结构的目的在于将细胞或颗粒在z方向的筛选,最后利用雷射诱导荧光系统将细胞或颗粒侦测出.在实验与数值分析的结果,显示此微型细胞颗粒计数器确实可进行高精确度及均一性的细胞或颗粒的计数,并且可以提供一个微型化的生物分析系统.     

The energy spectrum of a microchannel multiplier with two microchannel plates in the chevron assembly

Technical Physics Letters - A mathematical model of the response of a microchannel multiplier based on two microchannel plates in the chevron assembly has been considered. Analytical expressions...     

Design and numerical investigation of a circular microchannel for particle/cell separation using dielectrophoresis

Precisely separating particles/cells with different sizes and physical properties has been an interest for point-of-care diagnostics and personalized treatment. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is widely known as a powerful and non-invasive technique to separate particles and cells. This paper presents a comprehensive numerical investigation of particle/cell separation in circular microchannels using DEP. First, the geometrical parameters of the circular microchannel affecting DEP force are determined by performing an analytical solution. Then, by developing a solver in OpenFOAM, the effect of these parameters on particles deflection is investigated. According to the results, two different circular microchannels are presented to investigate the continuous separation of bio-particles (based on their physical properties) and polystyrene particles (based on their size). The results showed that a minimum voltage of 7, 9, and 12 V is required to achieve 100 % purity and separation efficiency for separating red blood cells from MDA-MB-231 cancer cells at the flow rate of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 µl/min, respectively. Also, the efficient separation of 5 and 10 µm polystyrene particles at the flow rate of 0.1 µl/min is possible only at the voltage of 9 V. The results of this numerical study can be useful for the fabrication of an optimal microdevice for the continuous DEP separation of particles and cells.     

导线阵列产生的微电磁力操纵磁粒子

当磁粒子包裹相应的外层物质时,可以与细胞产生选择性黏附,该特性可用于细胞分离、分选、药物运输等.在硅片上制做导线阵列,通过对相应导线阵列的通断电控制,可以控制微磁粒子运动,也就控制了与其相联的细胞运动.细胞运动到指定位置,借助工具对细胞进行操作,研究细胞特性.讨论导线阵列的MEMS工艺,对通电导线产生的磁场、温度场进行了仿真,了解电磁力大小的影响因素.     

The motion of a gas stream and an included solid particle behind a complex,inclined-barrier obstacle

The motion of a particle in a gas stream behind an inclined barrier on one side of a rectangular channel is studied. The forces acting on the particle are studied, and equations are obtained for calculating its velocity and trajectory.     

Measurement of microchannel flow with digital holographic microscopy by integrated nearest neighbor and cross-correlation particle pairing

A micro digital in-line holographic particle tracking velocimetry (micro-DHPTV) system has been developed and applied to investigate the three-dimensional flow field in straight and Y-junction microchannels. The micro-DHPTV system comprises a cooled frame-transfer CCD camera and a double-pulsed laser. The processing algorithm introduced to evaluate the three-dimensional velocity is based on the combination of integrated cross-correlation and nearest neighbor matching algorithms, taking advantage of information from both the reconstructed particle field and the original holograms fringes patterns. Tests on simulated pairs of holograms show that the particles can be detected, located, and paired with high probability and accuracy. Results obtained in the straight and Y-junction microchannels show that the superimposed vector field is physically reasonable.     

Shear-wave focusing with a laser-ultrasound phased-array

Pulsed laser arrays have been used to improve the beam parameters of laser generated ultrasound. The focusing and steering of shear-acoustic-wave beams generated by an array of thermoelastic sources has been investigated. A modeling of the impulse diffraction response of a single line source was derived from the point source model (Surface Center Of Expansion) of the thermoelastic source. The acoustic field launched by an array of point- or line-sources has been computed. Experimentally, the impulse response of a line source has been measured by using a heterodyne interferometer. It was shown with a 16-beam YAG laser, that shear-acoustic-wave beams can be focused and steered inside a duraluminum sample with a great efficiency     

Interaction of a granular stream with an obstacle

We investigate numerically the interaction of a stream of granular particles with a resting obstacle in two dimensions. For the case of high stream velocity we find that the force acting on the obstacle is proportional to the square of the stream velocity, the density and the obstacle size. This behaviour is equivalent to that of non-interacting hard spheres. For low stream velocity a gap between the obstacle and the incoming stream particles appears which is filled with granular gas of high temperature and low density. As soon as the gap appears the force does not depend on the square of velocity of the stream but the dependency obeys another law.     

Unstable resonators with a distributed focusing gain

The geometrical optics approximation is used to form a model of axisymmetric unstable resonators having distributed focus, gain, and loss. A tapered reflectivity feedback mirror is included. The rate equations for propagation through the focusing gain medium are derived. A unique grid is found for propagation without interpolation along eigenrays in each direction. Numerical examples show the effects of distributed gain and focus on the axial and transverse intensity distributions.     

Two-phase flow in a horizontal rectangular microchannel

Two-phase flow in a rectangular short horizontal channel 200 μm high was studied experimentally. The use of the fluorescent method made it possible to reveal flow of liquid in the channel and to determine its characteristics quantitatively. The existence of the regime of separate (stratified) flow is established. Based on analysis of previous investigations and newly obtained data, it is shown that a change in the height of the horizontal channel has a substantial effect on the boundaries between the regimes. The region of the churn regime increases with decreasing thickness of the channel.     

Sheathless capillary electrophoresis/electrospray mass spectrometry using a carbon-coated tapered fused-silica capillary with a beveled edge.

A tapered capillary tip containing a beveled edge was developed for use in sheathless capillary electrophoresis/electrospray mass spectrometry (CE/ESI-MS). The optimal flow rate of a 75-microm-i.d., 90-microm-o.d. beveled tapered capillary tip was similar to a conventional flat tapered tip with a 25-microm orifice. Using a mixture of coptisine, berberine, and palmatine chloride, the sheathless CE/ ESI-MS sensitivity of a beveled 75 microm tapered tip capillary was found to be similar to a 25 microm flat tip. Although both tips offer similar CE/ESI-MS sensitivity, the beveled tapered capillary tip is more rugged and durable than a conventional 25-microm tapered capillary because of the larger outside diameter and inside diameter. To make electrical contact, the capillary tip was smeared with paint marker followed by the application of a carbon coating using a graphite pencil. Using this refined carbon-coating procedure, the capillary tip can be operated with aprotic solvents.     

Oscillatory magnetogasdynamic slip flow in a microchannel

The problem of pressure-driven magnetogasdynamic (MGD) slip flow with small rarefaction through a long microchannel is considered. The flow is driven by a steady or oscillatory pressure gradient. The study of MGD flows in microchannels is of interest since they occur in many electromagnetic microscale devices. In obtaining the microfluidic solutions in the presence of a magnetic field, some additional physical, mathematical, and numerical issues need to be considered. These issues deal with the scaling laws for microscale MGD flows and the relevant parameters such as Mach number, Reynolds number, Hartmann number, magnetic Reynolds number, and Knudsen number. For planar constant area microchannels, it is possible to obtain the analytical solutions for both steady and oscillatory pressure-driven flows at low magnetic Reynolds numbers. The flow field is assumed to be quasi-isothermal, which is a good assumption in the absence of a strong electric field. As physically expected, at higher values of the magnetic field (that is at a higher Hartmann number) the velocity profile in the channel flattens, and the pressure varies nonlinearly along the channel.     

Numerical analysis on a passive chaotic micromixer with helical microchannel

In order to improve the mixing efficiency, the diffusion and mixing of species in the helical micro-mixer are simulated numerically. The results show that the mixing efficiency in the helical micromixer is much higher than that in the straight micro-channel and obviously higher than that in the serpentine micro-channel when Reynolds number is low. At high Reynolds number, even though the mixing efficiency in the helical micro-mixer is still much higher than that in the straight micro-channel, no obvious difference of mixing efficiency in the helical micro-mixer and serpentine micro-channel is found. The conclusions are helpful to optimize the structure of the micro-mixer.