Effect of Illumination from Laser on Droplet Formation in Microchannel

Abstract

FACS system (Fluorescence activated cell sorting) separate cells which are selectively labeled with electric charges. These charged cells then are sorted with help of electrostatic deflection system. Processing the signal helps in monitoring various parameters of the sample liquid like size, shape, complexity, protein content, etc. In this FACS system the liquid has to be passed through hydrodynamic focusing. But throughput of the system also has to be contemplated (FACS review paper). Droplet based microfluids constitutes a viable device set that empowers chemical and biological tests to carried out at high speed and with improved effectiveness when compared to ordinary instrumentation [1]. Droplet microfluidics will give better results in terms of speed [1] [2], throughput and accuracy of medical Diagnosis systems. Study on droplet breakup is carried out to focus characteristics of flow of liquid through microchannel for better analysis and detection in sampling the test liquid. Objective of this paper includes studying the formation of droplets of the sample liquid within the microchannel under normal circumstances and then to understand the effects of the heat emitted by the closely placed laser on droplet formation.