Molecular tagging to measure two-dimensional fluid velocity in microchannels

本提案中所要求的设备为微流体研究的发展提供了一个独特的机会。液体在微通道内的流动可以由压力或电力驱动。用实验来描述这种流体运动是非常具有挑战性的。典型的技术是监测流中粒子的运动。然而，这些颗粒可能不会遵循真正的流体运动，特别是当颗粒的大小与通道宽度相似时。计算模型是研究这类流动的主要工具，需要实验数据来验证计算模型。提议的设备将被配置成一个测量系统，通过跟踪标记的荧光分子来确定流体速度。所提出的系统将具有许多独特的功能，将形成一个强大的实验工具。这些特点包括，所有的光学访问从一个视图端口，写入一个精细的，独特的模式的点到流量增加测量分辨率和完全的计算机控制系统的能力。这种测量方式在商业上是买不到的，所有的设备都是专门为微通道流动的独特条件而设计的。

The equipment requested in this proposal offers a unique opportunity in the development of research in micro-fluidics.  Flow of liquid within micro-channels can be driven by pressure or electrical forces.  Characterizing this fluid motion experimentally is very challenging.  Typical techniques monitor the motion of particles seeded in the flow.  These particles however may not follow true fluid motion especially if the particles are of a size similar to the channel width.  Experimental data is needed to verify computational models which are the main tool for research on this type of flow.  The proposed equipment will be configured into a measurement system that will determine fluid velocity by tracking tagged fluorescent molecules.  The proposed system will have many unique features that will form a powerful experimental tool.  These features include, all optical access from one view port, the ability to write a fine, unique pattern of dots into the flow increasing measurement resolution and complete computer control of the system.  This style of measure cannot be purchased commercially and all equipment has been specifically specified for the unique conditions found in micro-channel flows.