UV picosecond laser processing for microfluidic applications

Abstract

Abstract. In recent years, the fields of nanomedicine and nanopharmaceuticals have seen extensive use of microfluidic technologies. A microfluidic system transports fluids through micrometer-sized channels usually generated by replication on silicones. However, using laser technology and glass material together reduces manufacturing time, while maintaining high accuracy, and has the greatest benefit of being flexible. In this frame, the work aims to evaluate the potential of an ultrafast laser source for rapid and precise prototyping of a glass micromixer device. The study involves scanning electron microscopy to analyze the morphology, and confocal microscopy to investigate the topography of the sample. In addition, the study investigates the main process strategy to gain optimization of the processing time. Finally, the functionality of the manufactured devices is assessed, through a mixing test of two fluids with different pH.