Two-Dimensional Microfluidics: hydrodynamics of drops and interfaces in flowing smectic liquid crystal channels

ORAL

Abstract

The quantization of film thickness in freely suspended fluid smectic liquid crystal film enables the study of the hydrodynamics of drops and interfaces in 2D. We report microfluidic experiments, in which we observe the hydrodynamics of 2D drops flowing in channels. Using high-speed video microscopy, we track the shape of 2D drops and interfaces, visualizing the deterministic lateral displacement-based separation and pinched flow separation phenomena previously observed only in 3D. Finally, we demonstrate techniques for 2D drop generation and sorting, which will be used for 2D microfluidic applications.

*Work supported by NSF MRSEC Grant DMR- 0820579 and NASA Grant NAG No. NNX07AE48G

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Authors

  • Zhiyuan Qi

    • Physics, University of Colorado at Boulder

  • Zoom Nguyen

    • University of Colorado at Boulder
    • Physics, University of Colorado at Boulder

  • Cheol Park

    • University of Colorado at Boulder
    • Physics, University of Colorado at Boulder

  • Joe Maclennan

    • University of Colorado at Boulder
    • Liquid Crystal Materials Research Center, University of Colorado at Boulder
    • Physics, University of Colorado at Boulder

  • Matt Glaser

    • University of Colorado at Boulder
    • Physics, University of Colorado at Boulder

  • Noel Clark

    • University of Colorado at Boulder
    • LCMRC, University of Colorado, Boulder
    • LCMRC, CU Boulder
    • Dept. of Physics, University of Colorado
    • Liquid Crystal Materials Research Center, University of Colorado at Boulder
    • Physics, University of Colorado at Boulder
    • Department of Physics and Liquid Crystal Material Research Center, University of Colorado-Boulder
    • Liquid Crystal Materials Research Center, University of Colorado, Boulder (CO) U.S.A.