Single-layer "domino" diodes via optofluidic lithography for ultra-low Reynolds number applications

Ryan D. Sochol, Casey C. Glick, Kye Y. Lee, Thomas Brubaker, Albert Lu, Melissa Wah, Shan Gao, Erica Hicks, Ki Tae Wolf, Kosuke Iwai, Luke P. Lee, Liwei Lin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Autonomous fluidic components are critical to the advancement of integrated micro/nanofluidic circuitry for lab-on-a-chip applications, such as point-of-care (POC) molecular diagnostics and on-site chemical detection. Previously, a wide range of self-regulating microfluidic components, such as fluidic diodes, have been developed; however, achieving effective functionality at ultra-low Reynolds number (e.g., Re < 0.05) has remained a significant challenge. To overcome this issue, here we introduce single-layer microfluidic "domino" diodes, which utilize free-standing rotational microstructures - constructed in situ via optofluidic lithography - in order to passively regulate the fluidic resistance based on the flow polarity, thereby enabling flow rectification under ultra-low Re conditions. COMSOL simulation results revealed a theoretical Diodicity (Di) of 31 for a singular domino diode component. Experimental results (for systems with four microstructures) revealed Di's ranging from 13.0±1.9 to 25.4±1.9 corresponding to 0.025 < Re < 0.030 and 0.010 < Re < 0.015 flow, respectively, which represent the largest Di's reported for Re < 0.05 fluid flow.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIEEE 26th International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, MEMS 2013
Pages153-156
Number of pages4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
EventIEEE 26th International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, MEMS 2013 - Taipei, Taiwan, Province of China
Duration: 20 Jan 201324 Jan 2013

Publication series

NameProceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS)
ISSN (Print)1084-6999

Conference

ConferenceIEEE 26th International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, MEMS 2013
Country/TerritoryTaiwan, Province of China
CityTaipei
Period20/01/1324/01/13

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