An Electrical Particle Velocity Profiler for In-Channel Clogging Detection and Flow Pattern Characterization

We present an electrical particle velocity profiler capable to detect in-channel clogging and flow pattern of the particles flowing in microfluidic devices. We measure both the particle position and velocity from the voltage signals generated by the particles passing across sensing electrodes, from which we finally obtain the velocity profile of the particles in channel flow. In the experimental study, the particle velocity profile is measured with the uncertainty of 5.44%, which is equivalent to the uncertainty of 5% in the previous optical method. We also experimentally verify the capability of the present method for the in-channel clogging detection. Compared to the previous optical methods, the present electrical particle velocity profiler offers the simpler structure, the cheaper cost, and the higher integrability to integrated bio fluidic systems.