Ghafar-Zadeh E., Therriault D., Sawan M.
École Polytechnique de Montréal, CA
Keywords: 3D microfluidic, direct-write assebly, fabrication, optimization, program control
There are increasing needs for 3D microfluidic components such as microchannels, micromixers or micropumps for Laboratory-on-chip systems. To date, several efficient, but expensive and complex techniques such as Liga and micro-stereo-lithography [1] have been developed to fabricate such fluidic structures. Direct-write assembly [2]-[3] is a high efficiency, low complexity and CMOS compatible technique, and can be used to fabricate 3D microfluidics, or the integration of microfluidic, and/or microelectronic chips from different technologies. In this paper, we for the first time explain the programming concept of the direct-write assembly technique where the laborious fabrication steps are broken down to a few simple numerical algorithms. Also, we demonstrate preliminary experimental results through the fabrication of a 3D conic microreservoir. Thereafter, a methodology to optimize this experimental procedure is discussed.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Technical Proceedings of the 2006 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 3
Published: May 7, 2006
Pages: 292 - 295
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Advanced Manufacturing
ISBN: 0-9767985-8-1