Research
Microflow Control Technology
We are developing technology for microflow control that is suitable for portable low-cost instruments. Building blocks are fully integratable devices including microvalves, micropumps and micromixers. Concerns are low power consumption, fast response time and low cost.
Chemical and Biological Sensors
We are currently investigating novel sensing technologies based on an micro- and nano-structures and materials that will enable the selective detection of various important gases and biologically relevant analytes.
Non-invasive Microflow Visualization
The goal of this project is to design and construct a portable and cost effective magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) instrument capable of resolving features below one micron, and to image flow fields of complex fluids in microcapillaries to characterize fluid properties such as viscosity’s shear dependence and confinement effects.
Transport of Colloids in Microfluidic Environments
We design microfluidic environments for targeted investigations of colloid transport. Focus of this work are particle-particle interactions, as well as particle-wall interactions. This study will lead to design recommendations for robust microfluidic devices.
Microneedles for Drug Delivery
While silicon microneedles (see picture) are effective for drug delivery, the associated fabrication process is rather expensive. We are developing new manufacturing processes for batch fabrication of inexpensive microneedles. These devices will be designed for drug delivery and biosensing.
Thermal Generation of Temporary Walls in Microchannels
We develop a new mechanism for changing the architecture of microfluidic channels during device operation. Two co-streaming fluids are separated through a temporal wall using targeted gel formation inside a microfluidic channel. We derive explanations for this mechanism including scaling arguments for the wall thickness.
Thermal Modulation of Microchannel Widths
We develop methods for thermal modulation of the widths of microchannels during operation of microfluidic devices. This allows arbitrary modulation of the channel width after device fabrication so that flow rate and flow velocity can be set independently.
Analog Large-Deflection Micromirror Arrays
This project aims at developing arrays of micromirrors with high resonance frequencies and high tilt angles in all directions. The mirrors are actuated through electrostatic forces to reach continuous tilt angles. The mirrors are fabricated using multi user MEMS processes.
Advanced Fabrication Techniques For Micro/Nano Structures
We develop methods to enhance current microfabrication technologies. Focus of this work is on material functionality and user friendliness.
High-Speed Micromirror Control Using An FPGA
We are developing FPGA-base high-speed control for arrays of electrostatically driven micromirrors.
