Making a Hybrid Microfluidic Platform Compatible for In Situ Imaging by Vacuum-Based Techniques

Journal Article · Wed Oct 26 04:00:00 EDT 2011 · Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology A--Vacuum, Surfaces and Films

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1116/1.3654147· OSTI ID:1029080

Yang, Li; Yu, Xiao-Ying; Zhu, Zihua; Thevuthasan, Suntharampillai; Cowin, James P

A self-contained microfluidic-based device was designed and fabricated for in situ imaging of aqueous surfaces using vacuum techniques. The device is a hybrid between a microfluidic PDMS block and external accessories, all portable on a small platform (10 cm-8 cm). The key feature is that a small aperture with a diameter of 2-3 micrometers is opened to the vacuum, which serves as a detection window for in situ imaging of aqueous surfaces. Vacuum compatibility and temperature drop due to water vaporization are the two most important challenges in this invention. Theoretical calculations and fabrication strategies are presented from multiple design aspects. In addition, results from the time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) of aqueous surfaces are presented.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US), Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1029080
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-81346; 30203; 42330; 36603; 36601; KC0301020
• Journal Information: Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology A--Vacuum, Surfaces and Films, Journal Name: Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology A--Vacuum, Surfaces and Films Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 29
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
APERTURES
COMPATIBILITY
DESIGN
DETECTION
EVAPORATION
Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory
FABRICATION
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
WATER
in situ imaging
microfluidic
vacuum
aqueous surface
design
fabrication