The vision of the Microfluidics Center is to similarly revolutionize the manufacture of products that manipulate or monitor fluids by applying the scaling and integration techniques of IC microfabrication. The exploration of application specific issues is a means to transfer microfluidic technology to the center's industrial partners in particular application areas. The center's application specific research is especially relevant to the future development of miniature chemical analysis systems, micro-hydraulic actuators, automotive sensors, precision fluid dispensing systems, and microfluidic component manufacturers. M any of the technological barriers faced in the microfluidics field are generic to a diverse range of applications. There are currently no convenient methods for interconnecting miniature fluidic devices.
Available methods involve coupling small diameter tubes by hand which is labor intensive.
We have an approach to connecting these devices using micro flanges and integrated packaging of the electronic and fluidic elements into one structure. In order to make microfluidic pumps and other useful devices, various parameters including flow velocity, pressure, and temperature must be measured. Several miniature microsensors are small enough to be integrated into microfluidic circuits, but there is also a need to develop other devices suitable for integration. Thru-wafer Interconnects Separating the fluidic components in a different part of the circuit from the circuit's electronic components is necessary for a reliable integrated device. By placing the electronics on one side of the wafer and the fluidic circuit on the other, the seal between the fluidic element and the electronic sensor, actuator or drive circuit is less of an issue.