Measurement of fluid flow in microfluidic devices

Hyphenated Systems, a provider of hybrid microscopy for three-dimensional (3D) imaging and metrology in micro- and nanotechnology, has announced a joint development programme (JDP) with the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB).

Hyphenated Systems will make available one of its 3D Map (microfluidics analysis platform) tools to Professor Meinhart's research group at the microfluidics laboratory for use in investigating the fundamental relationships between structure and flow in microfluidic devices.

3D Map uses advanced confocal microscopy to visualise and measure 3D structure and flow with sub-micrometre resolution.

The system is unique in its ability to provide fast, accurate, structural characterisation of all aspects of microfluidic devices - including steep slopes, rough surfaces, and subsurface features in transparent media - that are difficult or impossible to measure with alternative techniques.

Carl Meinhart, associate professor at the UCSB department of mechanical engineering says: "Our research includes developing micron-resolution particle image velocimetry (micro-PIV), ac electrokinetic devices for concentrating DNA and enhancing immunoassay reactions, and investigating structure/fluid interactions in biological cells.

"The 3D Map from Hyphenated Systems will be help us gain an understanding of the dynamic behavior of fluids and their interactions with solid structures in microfluidic devices".

Terence Lundy, vice president and managing director of Hyphenated Systems adds: "The field of microfluidics is in its infancy and there is still a lot of research and development to be done.

"It is our mission to provide the tools that researchers and engineers need to develop a fundamental understanding of microfluidic phenomena and convert that knowledge into commercial products.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to support Dr Meinhart's pioneering work in microfluidics."