Capillaric-Field Effect Transistors

Type of content
Journal Article
Thesis discipline
Degree name
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Language
en
Date
2022
Authors
Meffan R
Menges J
Dolamore F
Mak D
Fee C
Dobson R
Nock, Volker
Abstract

Controlling fluid flow in capillaric circuits is a key requirement to increase their uptake for assay applications. Capillary action off-valves provide such functionality by pushing an occluding bubble into the channel using a difference in capillary pressure. Previously, we utilized the binary switching mode of this structure to develop a powerful set of fundamental fluidic valving operations. In this work, we study the transistor-like qualities of the off-valve and provide evidence that these structures are in fact functionally complementary to electronic junction field effect transistors. In view of this, we propose the new term capillaric field effect transistor to describe these types of valves. To support this conclusion, we present a theoretical description, experimental characterization, and practical application of analog flow resistance control. In addition, we demonstrate that the valves can also be reopened. We show modulation of the flow resistance from fully open to pinch-off, determine the flow rate–trigger channel volume relationship and demonstrate that the latter can be modeled using Shockley’s equation for electronic transistors. Finally, we provide a first example of how the valves can be opened and closed repeatedly.

Description
Citation
Meffan R, Menges J, Dolamore F, Mak D, Fee C, Dobson R, Nock V (2022). Capillaric-Field Effect Transistors. Microsystem & Nanoengineering. 8(1).
Keywords
Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
Fields of Research::40 - Engineering::4012 - Fluid mechanics and thermal engineering::401210 - Microfluidics and nanofluidics
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All rights reserved unless otherwise stated