Molecular tagging to measure two-dimensional fluid velocity in microchannels

本提案中要求的设备为微流体研究的发展提供了一个独特的机会。 微通道内的液体流动可以由压力或电力驱动。 通过实验来表征这种流体运动是非常具有挑战性的。 典型的技术监测流中的粒子的运动。 然而，这些颗粒可能不遵循真正的流体运动，特别是如果颗粒的尺寸与通道宽度相似。 需要实验数据来验证计算模型，这是研究这种类型的流动的主要工具。 拟议的设备将被配置成一个测量系统，将确定通过跟踪标记的荧光分子的流体速度。 拟议的系统将有许多独特的功能，将形成一个强大的实验工具。 这些功能包括，从一个观察口的所有光学访问，能够写入一个精细的，独特的点模式到流量增加测量分辨率和完整的计算机控制系统。 这种类型的测量无法在商业上购买，并且所有设备都是针对微通道流动中的独特条件而专门指定的。

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.