Session V37: Focus Session: Microfluidic Physics IV: Particles, Drops, and Mixing
11:15 AM–2:15 PM, Thursday, March 24, 2005
LACC Room: 512
Sponsoring Unit:
DFD
Chair: Darren Link, Rain Dance Technologies
Abstract ID: BAPS.2005.MAR.V37.8
Abstract: V37.00008 : Electro-thermal-fluidic behavior near dielectrophoretic micro-constrictions
12:39 PM–12:51 PM
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Abstract 
Authors:
Chia-Fu Chou
(Arizona State University)
Venkatraman Ramamurthy
(Arizona State University)
Frederic Zenhausern
(Arizona State University)
We present a detailed study of the electro-thermal-fluidic behavior in the close proximity of single dielectric micro-constrictions using multiphysics computational fluidics modules in the device level. These micro-constrictions may be used to perform dielectrophoresis for molecular trapping and bioparticle separation. When an external electric potential is applied across such constrictions defined in microfluidic channels filled with ionic buffers, the electric field and current will be focused at these dielectric constrictions. The focused nonuniform local field gives rise to the dielectrophoretic effect to dielectric particles near the constrictions. On the other hand, the focused local current may generate Joule heating which, in turn, induces temperature gradient that causes convective flow to potentially disturb or even frustrate the dielectrophoretic effect. However, the raised local temperature and the induced local flow field may provide another degree of freedom for stringency control, say in a hybridization assay, and the mixing effect, respectively. We will discuss the various aspects of these effects and their potential applications.
To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2005.MAR.V37.8