Low-cost fluorescence microscope with microfluidic device fabrication for optofluidic applications

Journal Article (2023)
Author(s)

Nagaraj Nagalingam (TU Delft - Complex Fluid Processing)

Aswin Raghunathan (Student TU Delft)

Vikram Korede (TU Delft - Complex Fluid Processing)

Edwin F.J. Overmars (TU Delft - Fluid Mechanics)

Shih-Te Hung (TU Delft - Team Carlas Smith)

Remco Hartkamp (TU Delft - Complex Fluid Processing)

J. T. Padding (TU Delft - Complex Fluid Processing)

Carlas Smith (TU Delft - Team Carlas Smith)

Huseyin Burak Eral (TU Delft - Complex Fluid Processing)

Research Group
Complex Fluid Processing
Copyright
© 2023 Nagaraj Nagalingam, Aswin Raghunathan, V.B. Korede, E.F.J. Overmars, S. Hung, Remco Hartkamp, J.T. Padding, C.S. Smith, H.B. Eral
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ohx.2023.e00415
More Info
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Publication Year
2023
Language
English
Copyright
© 2023 Nagaraj Nagalingam, Aswin Raghunathan, V.B. Korede, E.F.J. Overmars, S. Hung, Remco Hartkamp, J.T. Padding, C.S. Smith, H.B. Eral
Related content
Research Group
Complex Fluid Processing
Volume number
14
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Abstract

Optofluidic devices have revolutionized the manipulation and transportation of fluid at smaller length scales ranging from micrometers to millimeters. We describe a dedicated optical setup for studying laser-induced cavitation inside a microchannel. In a typical experiment, we use a tightly focused laser beam to locally evaporate the solution laced with a dye resulting in the formation of a microbubble. The evolving bubble interface is tracked using high-speed microscopy and digital image analysis. Furthermore, we extend this system to analyze fluid flow through fluorescence-Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique with minimal adaptations. In addition, we demonstrate the protocols for the in-house fabrication of a microchannel tailored to function as a sample holder in this optical setup. In essence, we present a complete guide for constructing a fluorescence microscope from scratch using standard optical components with flexibility in the design and at a lower cost compared to its commercial analogues.