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Fabrication, Operation and Flow Visualization in Surface-acoustic-wave-driven Acoustic-counterflow Microfluidics
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Two-dimensional flow of driven particles: a microfluidic pathway to the non-equilibrium frontier
Tsevi Beatus1, Itamar Shani, Roy H Bar-Ziv
1The Rachel and Selim Benin School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Alexander Grass Center for Bioengineering, and The Silberman Institute of Life Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
Chemical Society Reviews
|September 5, 2017
Summary
This study explores micron-scale droplet flow in 2D geometry, revealing how droplet ensembles can investigate non-equilibrium systems. 2D microfluidics offers a simple yet powerful platform for studying complex phenomena like pattern emergence and irreversibility.
Area of Science:
- Physics of fluid dynamics
- Non-equilibrium statistical mechanics
- Microscale phenomena
Background:
- Understanding complex systems requires studying non-equilibrium phenomena.
- Droplet ensembles offer a model system for exploring these concepts.
- Microfluidics provides a controllable environment for such studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the fundamental physics of micron-scale droplet flow in 2D.
- To highlight the utility of droplet ensembles in studying non-equilibrium systems.
- To review recent advancements in this research area.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of droplet flow in two-dimensional (2D) geometry.
- Utilizing droplet ensembles to probe fundamental questions.
- Leveraging lab-on-chip technology for experimental control.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of dynamic pattern emergence in droplet ensembles.
- Investigation into the nature of irreversibility in these systems.
- Validation of 2D microfluidics as a suitable platform.
Conclusions:
- 2D microfluidics is well-suited for studying complex out-of-equilibrium phenomena.
- The simplicity of Stokes flow in this geometry aids research.
- Lab-on-chip technology enhances accessibility for studying dynamic patterns and irreversibility.
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