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

这种新兴的“微全分析系统”（uTAS）技术非常适合于以小型化、基于芯片的形式处理少量化学或生物物种，该形式具有鲁棒性、上级性能、经济性和便携性。 该提案侧重于集成光学/微流体设备所需的广泛的科学和工程问题，其中一个强有力的组成部分涉及与在有限空间中处理液相材料（例如DNA溶液）相关的基本概念。 该计划主要是为了推进基本技术和知识，而不是旨在生产特定设备的开发项目。 研究课题包括：（i）微流体结构与用于光源、检测器和波导路由系统的相对短波长光学系统的芯片上集成，（ii）亚微米通道中简单流体和大分子溶液的传输的研究，（iii）新型集成机械致动器的制造，以及（iv）集成微流体/光学uTAS系统的模拟和设计工具的开发。 将针对这些目标制造各种测试结构，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。 该计划涉及来自哥伦比亚大学应用物理，电气，机械和化学工程系的跨学科教师小组以及与其他大学的合作。

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.