Abstract
In this paper, we present the design, fabrication, and experimental results of 4-bit digital microinjectors, whose ejected droplet volumes are adjusted by the digital operation of a 4-bit microheater array. We design the reference microinjectors as well as its comparative test structures. In the fabrication process, we use a five-mask micromachining process and the total chip size of the fabricated microinjector is 7640 /spl mu/m/spl times/5260 /spl mu/m. We observe the microbubble generation and collapse on the microheater array. The microbubbles initiate and grow individually on top of each operating microheater, however the microbubbles merge together before collapse. We measure the ejected droplet volumes and velocities, which are adjusted from 12.1 /spl ap/ 55.6 pl and 2.3 /spl ap/ 15.7m/s, respectively, depending on the 15 possible combinations of 4-bit microheater array. We also experimentally characterize the effect of geometric variation including the microheater size, intermicroheater gap, microchannel width and sequential operation of microheater array on the ejected droplet volume and velocity. Thus, the present microinjector has a potential for application to the high-resolution inkjet printers with multiple gray levels or high-precision fluid injectors with variable volume control.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.