Mateusz Czok

Sol-gel layers for ceramic microsystems application

This paper describes research on sol-gel solutions preparation process. Utilize of a sol-gel layers in the LTCC technology for reduction of surface roughness and influence on the ceramics properties is examined and described. The influence of sol-gel layer on possible sedimentation of dyes or biological substances in channels, mixers or chambers of ceramic microfluidic structures was investigated. Moreover, properties of sol-gel coated surfaces have been precisely examined and described. Finally, positive results of conducted experiments made it possible to design and manufacture a simple microfluidic ceramic structure, with embedded protective layer of sol-gel, for fluorescence measurements.

Electromagnetic valve made in LTCC

This paper describes technology of the electromagnetic valve made in the LTCC (Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics). The actuation is supplied by mutual reaction between a 3D coil and a neodymium magnet bonded to flexible membrane. Such solution has many advantages like short reaction time, small power consumption and relatively great attractive forces. The valve is built in a hybrid PDMS-LTCC technology. The microfluidics and coil parts are fabricated in the LTCC technology. The flexible section is manufactured using a PDMS (poly(dimethylsiloxane)) membrane bonded to the ceramic part by plasma oxidation. The magnet is fixed on the membrane surface. The LTCC material was chosen for the sake of chemical durability and possibility of 3D structures creating. The PDMS membrane provides simultaneously very good stability and high flexibility.

LTCC system for light absorbance measurement

The paper describes technology of the LTCC structure which enables light absorbance measurements of liquid sample. The manufactured ceramic structure contains buried microfluidic channels. The structure consists of two co-fired glass windows which separate the light source and detector from the test solution. A construction of an electronic measurement system is described as well. The signal from three LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) – red, green and blue – can be used in the absorbance measurements. The light intensity is measured by the TCS3414CS (TAOS) color detector. Optical properties of the fabricated microfluidic LTCC system is investigated with several concentrations of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) in water solution. The system can be applied in microbiology for constant monitoring of bacteria growth.