Front Matter

Abstract

This chapter discusses the system-level design of an image-based measurement system using photonics and relevant specifications of hardware elements. Microfluidics is the science of studying the behavior of fluid flow through and around structures at the microscale. The map shows a microflow system coupled to an image-based photonic measurement system shown in the central highlighted box. Microfluidics is the science of studying the behavior of fluid flow through and around structures at the microscale. The microflow system comprises all devices used to supply fluid, alternating electric field, magnetic field, and so forth to the microfluidic device. At the system level, subelements of image-based microscale measurement systems generally have similar characteristics. In classical microscopy, a broadband light source is used, which has a continuous range of wavelengths over the visible spectrum. Published measurement techniques for imaging of flows fields at the microscale have often been adapted from microscope technology used in biological and medical fields.