Integration Technologies for Optical/Flow Devices for Biomacromolecule Detection and Separation

这种新兴的“微总量分析系统”（uTAS）技术非常适合以小型化、基于芯片的格式处理少量化学或生物物种，该格式稳健、性能优越、经济、便携。该提案侧重于集成光学/微流体器件所需的广泛科学和工程问题，其中一个强大的组成部分涉及与在密闭空间中处理液相材料（例如DNA溶液）相关的基本概念。该计划首先是一项推进基础技术和知识的努力，而不是旨在生产特定设备的发展项目。研究课题包括：(1)微流控结构与相对短波长的光源、探测器和波导路由系统的芯片集成；(2)研究简单流体和大分子溶液在亚微米通道中的传输；(3)制造新型集成机械执行器；(4)开发集成微流控/光学uTAS系统的仿真和设计工具。针对这些目标，将制造各种测试结构，并且制造工作将大力追求用于设备生产的新材料和原型策略。该项目由哥伦比亚大学应用物理系、电气系、机械系和化学工程系的跨学科教师组成，并与其他大学合作。

This emerging technology of "micro total analysis systems" (uTAS) is ideal for processing of small quantities of chemical or biological species in a miniaturized, chip-based format that is robust, superior in performance, economical, and portable. This proposal focuses on broad scientific and engineering issues needed for integrated optical/microfluidic devices, with a strong component addressing fundamental concepts relevant to processing of liquid-phase materials in confined spaces (e.g. DNA solutions). The program is foremost an effort to advance basic technologies and knowledge rather than a developmental project aimed at producing a specific device. The research topics include: (i) on-chip integration of microfluidic structures with relatively short-wavelength optical systems for light sources, detectors, and waveguide routing systems, (ii) investigation of the transport of simple fluids and macromolecular solutions in submicrometer channels, (iii) fabrication of novel integrated mechanical actuators, and (iv) development of simulation and design tools for integrated microfluidic/optical uTAS systems. Various test structures will be fabricated with regard to these goals, and the fabrication effort will vigorously pursue new materials and prototyping strategies for device production. The program involves an interdisciplinary group of faculty from Columbia University's Departments of Applied Physics, Electrical, Mechanical, and Chemical Engineering as well as collaboration with other universities.