Abstract:
This invention provides a method for carrying out nucleic acid amplification reactions involving heating and cooling of samples in sample vessels utilizing a heat block comprising a liquid. The method can be used to perform multiple nucleic acid amplification reactions simultaneously in which each of the reactions is performed so as to have temperature profiles. The apparatus can be used for performing PCR, and real time PCR in particular, with control and uniformity.
Abstract:
Methods for measuring and analyzing biological or chemical samples using consumer electronic devices and systems are described. Moreover, an accessory to enable using devices such as cell phones and smartphones with fluidic illumination chambers are described.
Abstract:
A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.
Abstract:
Microfluidic valves constructed from elastomeric materials as the valve body components and employing shape memory alloy in wire form as the valve actuator. Various configurations of individual valves having both normally open and normally closed states are described. Apparatus using such valves and providing logic functionality with fluidic logic outputs are discussed. Apparatus that can be used for materials processing at the nano- or micro-scale are presented. Various forms of logical control of valve arrays are explained.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a microfluidic dye laser including a pump light source configured to provide light having a pump light wavelength. The microfluidic dye laser also includes an elastomer substantially optically transparent at the pump light wavelength and at a microfluidic dye laser wavelength. A microfluidic channel configured to accept a fluidic dye is defined in the elastomer. An optical grating is formed in a single mode 3D waveguide in the microfluidic channel in order to provide a single mode microfluidic dye laser light as output in response to illumination with light from the pump light source. In another aspect, the invention features a method of tuning a wavelength of a microfluidic dye laser light by mechanically deforming the elastomeric laser chip to change the grating period in the optical cavity.
Abstract:
A microfluidic assembly comprising a replaceable microfluidic circuit and a thermal unit, the microfluidic circuit adapted to contact the thermal unit by contact between one or more membranes in the microfluidic circuit and the at least one temperature controlling element in the thermal unit to achieve temperature control of a substance or substances inside one or more fluidic compartments in the microfluidic circuit. A related method to control temperature and/or physical state of a substance in the fluidic compartments and related testing systems are also described.
Abstract:
The invention is a photonic crystal laser including a photonic crystal slab laser cavity including InGaP/InGaAlP crystalline layers, the InGaP/InGaAlP crystalline layers having a relaxed strain at one or more etched surfaces and a higher strain at a plurality of quantum wells and at a distance from the one or more etched surfaces. The photonic crystal laser also includes electrical pads configured to receive an electrical signal the electrical pads attached to the photonic crystal slab laser cavity via an insulating layer, the photonic crystal laser configured to emit a laser light in response to the electrical signal. In another aspect, the invention features a photonic crystal detector including a photonic crystal slab cavity including InGaP/InGaAlP crystalline layers. In yet another aspect, the invention features a process to fabricate a photonic crystal laser cavity.
Abstract:
Aspects of the invention disclosed herein relate to devices that provide heat and/or ultraviolet light to fingernails or toenails that are afflicted by onychomycosis, as well as methods for treating onychomycosis by application of heat and/or ultraviolet light. The devices of the present invention may be used in connection with systemic and/or topical anti-fungal agents to treat onychomycosis.
Abstract:
A microfluidic structure with an electrically controlled pressure source is shown. The pressure source is an electrolyte connected with electrodes. Dissociation of the electrolyte generates the pressure, which is used to obtain a valve-like or pump-like behavior inside the microfluidic structure. A process for manufacturing the microfluidic structure and a method to circulate fluids in a microfluidic channel are also described.
Abstract:
A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.