Multiplexed operation of a micromachined ultrasonic droplet ejector array

Journal Article · Mon Oct 15 04:00:00 EDT 2007 · Review of Scientific Instruments

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2785156· OSTI ID:21024446

Forbes, Thomas P; Degertekin, F Levent; Fedorov, Andrei G ^[1]

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1. G. W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332 (United States)

A dual-sample ultrasonic droplet ejector array is developed for use as a soft-ionization ion source for multiplexed mass spectrometry (MS). Such a multiplexed ion source aims to reduce MS analysis time for multiple analyte streams, as well as allow for the synchronized ejection of the sample(s) and an internal standard for quantitative results and mass calibration. Multiplexing is achieved at the device level by division of the fluid reservoir and separating the active electrodes of the piezoelectric transducer for isolated application of ultrasonic wave energy to each domain. The transducer is mechanically shaped to further reduce the acoustical crosstalk between the domains. Device design is performed using finite-element analysis simulations and supported by experimental characterization. Isolated ejection of {approx}5 {mu}m diameter water droplets from individual domains in the micromachined droplet ejector array at around 1 MHz frequency is demonstrated by experiments. The proof-of-concept demonstration using a dual-sample device also shows potential for multiplexing with larger numbers of analytes.

• OSTI ID: 21024446
• Journal Information: Review of Scientific Instruments, Journal Name: Review of Scientific Instruments Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 78; ISSN 0034-6748; ISSN RSINAK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
CALIBRATION
DESIGN
DROPLETS
ELECTRODES
EQUIPMENT
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
FLUIDS
ION SOURCES
IONIZATION
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
MHZ RANGE
OPERATION
PIEZOELECTRICITY
STREAMS
TRANSDUCERS
ULTRASONIC WAVES
WATER