Theodorus S.J. Lammerink

Towards integrated microliquid handling systems

In this paper we describe components for integrated microliquid handling systems such as fluid injection analysis, and first results of planar integration of components. The components discussed are channels, passive and active valves, actuators for micropumps, micromixers, microflow sensors, optical detectors, pumps and dosage systems. The dosage system described comprises a flow sensor and a pump micromachined on a single silicon wafer sandwiched between Pyrex wafers. The liquid pump is of the reciprocating type with a thermo-pneumatic actuator. The microliquid flow sensor is based on the thermal anemometer type. Both pump and flow sensor are realized in a 3 inch (100)- Si wafer using a KOH bulk etch from both sides of the wafer. The dosing system allows accurate dosing of liquid in the mu l regime and can easily be integrated with components as mixers and detectors to microliquid handling systems. A new concept for micromixing of liquids is introduced and its feasibility is demonstrated. The mixer allows fast mixing of small amounts of two liquids and it is applicable to microliquid handling systems. The mixer has a channel for the liquid, an inlet port for the reagent, and a mixing area, the bottom of which has 400 micronozzles (15 mu m*15 mu m). Through these nozzles, a reagent is injected into the sample liquid, making many microplumes. These plumes speed up mixing by diffusion over a short distance.

Micro Total Analysis Systems: Microfluidic Aspects, Integration Concept and Applications

In this contribution three aspects of miniaturized total analysis systems (µTAS) are described and discussed in detail. First, an overview of microfabricated components for fluid handling is given. A description of the importance of sampling- and fluid-handling techniques is followed by details of microvalves, micropumps and micro flowchannels. Secondly, the problems associated with system integration are discussed. As a solution for the realization of microfluidic- and micro analysis systems, the concept of a planar mixed circuit board (MCB) as a platform for the integration of different components is described. In addition, the design, modeling and simulation, and realization of several components in the form of standard modules for integration on a MCB is described. As an illustration of the potential of this approach, the realization of a µTAS demonstrator for the optical detection of the pH change of a pH indicator, is presented. Finally, a number of different applications of µTAS are described, such as on-line process monitoring, environmental monitoring, biomedical and space applications and DNA-analysis.

Micro-liquid flow sensor

A simple to realise micro-liquid flow sensor with high sensitivity is presented. The sensor is based on well known thermal anemometer principles. An analytical model for the sensor behaviour applicable for gas/liquid fluids is presented. The realisation process of the sensor is described. Model and experimental results agree well. The sensor is simple to integrate with other micro-liquid handling components such as pumps, mixers, etc.

Artificial sensory hairs based on the flow sensitive receptor hairs of crickets

This paper presents the modelling, design, fabrication and characterization of flow sensors based on the wind-receptor hairs of crickets. Cricket sensory hairs are highly sensitive to drag-forces exerted on the hair shaft. Artificial sensory hairs have been realized in SU-8 on suspended SixNy membranes. The movement of the membranes is detected capacitively. Capacitance versus voltage, frequency dependence and directional sensitivity measurements have been successfully carried out on fabricated sensor arrays, showing the viability of the concept.

Micromachined structures for thermal measurements of fluid and flow parameters

In this paper thermal sensor-actuator structures are proposed that can be used to measure various fluid parameters such as thermal conductivity, flow velocity, heat capacity, kinematic viscosity and pressure. All structures are designed in such a way that they can be realized in the same fabrication process and therefore they can be easily combined in a single device. All structures are based on the principle of thermal measurements: resistive structures are used for both heating and temperature measurements. For accurate measurements the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) must be well known. Therefore, a special structure, which can be used for auto-calibration, was designed to measure the TCR. A first device containing structures for the combined measurement of flow velocity, thermal conductivity and TCR has been fabricated. Measurements show promising results.

Integrated micro-liquid dosing system

An integrated micro-liquid dosing system consisting of a micropump and a microliquid flow sensor is demonstrated. The dosing system allows accurate dosing of liquid in the microliter regime and can easily be integrated with components such as mixers and detectors in micro-liquid handling systems. The liquid pump is of the reciprocating type with a thermopneumatic actuator. The microliquid flow sensor is based on the thermal anemometer type. Both pump and flow sensor are realized in a 3-in

Performance of thermally excited resonators

A study of electrothermal excitation of micromachined silicon beams is reported. The temperature distribution is calculated as a function of the position of the transducer, resulting in stress in the structure which reduces the resonance frequency. Test samples are realized and measurements of resonance frequency, vibration shape and vibration amplitude are carried out. There is a satisfactory agreement between theory and experiment at small thermal stresses. Near the buckling load we find distinct deviations from theory which are ascribed to mechanical imperfections of the beams.

High-resolution shadow-mask patterning in deep holes and its application to an electrical wafer feed-through

The paper presents a technique to pattern materials in deep holes and/or on non-planar substrate surfaces. A rather old technique, namely, electron-beam evaporation of metals through a shadow mask, is used. The realization of high-resolution shadow masks using micromachining techniques is described. Further, a low ohmic electrical wafer foed-through with a small parasitic capacitance to the substrate and a high placing density is presented.

Bi-directional fast flow sensor with a large dynamic range

In this article an extended mass-flow sensor is presented. Apart from the magnitude of the flow, as an add-on to the traditional anemometer, this sensor also measures the direction of the flow. This is of interest for the flow sensor market in general, and more in particular for the safety monitoring of low over-pressure systems like surgeries and cleanrooms where the risk of reverse flow needs to be avoided at all times. It detects the smallest amount of gas-flow, down to approximately 100 µm s-1 airflow up to high flow levels of 1 m s-1. The response time is of the order of milliseconds.

Frequency dependence of thermal excitation of micromechanical resonators

theoretical and experimental study is presented on thermal excitation of micromechanical resonators. It is shown that there is a turnover frequency, ωt, which is related to the square of the ratio of the penetration depth of the thermal wave into the structure and its thickness. For constant power dissipation at the surface of the structure, the bending moment is independent of the frequency ω at ω > ωt, it is proportional to ω-1. At high frequency we obtain a phase shift of -π/2. Vibration amplitudes and turnover frequencies measured on clamped beam structures agree well with the theory.