Light Reconfigurable Nano-fluidics - LiRN-fluidics

LiRN-fluidics will explore the potential for ultra-large-scale miniaturization of microfluidics, which suffers from bulky inlet and outlet ports and inflexible fabrication roadmaps. The goal is to develop a microfabricated nano-pillar decorated surface where flow of aqueous liquids is driven by capillary action triggered by ultraviolet (UV) light. The fluidic tracks will be configured by illuminating the surface with a pattern using an UV light projection system. Light focusing and droplet reservoir sizes will be the only limiting factors for the footprint. If droplets are delivered by nano-liter spotters, it is anticipated that footprints effectively can be downsized to less than 100 x 100 µm, i.e. allowing about half a million nano-fluidic tracks to be configured on a 6” substrate! The principle for onset of flow by illumination is rooted in the fundamental materials property of certain metal-oxides that can become very hydrophilic when illuminated by UV-light. A successful proof of concept will enable autonomous real-time generation of fluidic connections by an artificial intelligence (AI) system for chemical analysis applications.