Characterization of a high-resolution solid-state micropump that can be integrated into microfluidic systems

Ni–Mn–Ga is a magnetic shape memory (MSM) alloy that can strain up to 6 % when a magnetic field is applied to it. By applying a localized magnetic field to the MSM element, the strain can be precisely controlled and manipulated. By using Ni–Mn–Ga and a local magnetic field, an MSM micropump that is capable of controlling the flow within a microfluidic system has been developed. A computational fluid dynamics analysis illustrates the flow of the liquid at the outlet of the micropump and will be used to optimize future models of the pump. The performance of the MSM micropump, such as its flow rate and pumping pressure, is measured and presented in this study. Beyond its performance, there are also several advantages intrinsic to the MSM micropump. It is controlled by a magnetic field and is therefore contact-free. Depending upon the magnetic field, the MSM micropump can act as either a valve or a reversible pump. It is self-priming and capable of pumping gases as well as viscous liquids, and it has a simple design which consists primarily of the MSM alloy itself. Coupled with its scalability, it is clear that the MSM micropump is a strong candidate for an integratable flow control solution.