New Generation of Digital Microfluidic Devices

This paper reports on the design, fabrication, and performance of micro-sized fluidic devices that use electrowetting to control and transport liquids. Using standard microfabrication techniques, new pumping systems are developed with significantly more capability than open digital microfluidic systems that are often associated with electrowetting. This paper demonstrates that, by integrating closed microchannels with different channel heights and using electrowetting actuation, liquid interfaces can be controlled, and pressure work can be done, resulting in fluid pumping. The operation of two different on-chip pumps and devices that can form water drops is described. In addition, a theory is presented to explain the details of single-electrode actuation in a closed channel.