Microfluidic Device Lateral Electrical Connections Optical Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combining microfluidics with electrical and optical components is challenging due to space requirements for fluidic channels and optical access, which hinders the integration of electronics and optical components in microfluidic devices.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device design featuring a pocket-defining layer with a semiconductor chip and an electrical connection layer that allows for lateral extension of electronic connections and fluidic channels above the chip, enabling optical access and fluidic communication without interference, along with a method for manufacturing such devices using a temporary carrier and substrate bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluidic channels are arranged in microfluidic devices, then fluidic communication is achieved, but optical access space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a three-dimensional layered structure where fluidic channels are positioned in lower layers and electronic/optical components are arranged in upper layers. This vertical separation allows fluidic channels to provide communication pathways while upper layers maintain clear optical access paths, effectively resolving the spatial conflict between fluidic channels and optical access requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into multiple functional layers: a first substrate containing fluidic channels, a second substrate containing electronic components, and intermediate connection layers. This segmentation allows each layer to independently optimize its function - fluidic channels in one layer do not interfere with optical access in another layer.
2Measurement precision
If electronics are integrated with microfluidics, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates electronic components into distinct integrated circuits mounted on separate substrates from the fluidic channels. This segmentation allows independent optimization of electronic measurement functions while simplifying the overall device architecture by avoiding complex integration of electronics within fluidic structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection layers with conductive traces serve as intermediaries between the fluidic channel layer and electronic component layers. These intermediary structures provide straightforward electrical connections without requiring complex integration, thus improving measurement capability while maintaining relatively simple device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If optical components are added to microfluidic devices, then imaging analysis capability is improved, but space for fluidic channels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Optical components such as objective lenses are positioned in upper layers above the fluidic channel structures. This vertical arrangement allows optical components to access samples through the transparent or translucent fluidic channels from above, providing imaging capability without occupying lateral space that would be needed for fluidic channel routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The device structure segments optical components into separate optical layers distinct from the fluidic channel layers. This allows optical components to be optimized for imaging without compromising fluidic channel space, as each segment independently fulfills its function in a dedicated spatial zone.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the present inventive concept there is provided a microfluidic device comprising: at least one structure arranged in a pocket-defining layer defining a pocket in the pocket-defining layer; a semiconductor chip arranged in the pocket, the semiconductor chip comprising at least one electrode at the surface of the semiconductor chip; an electrical connection layer arranged above the semiconductor chip, wherein the electrical connection layer comprises electronic connections electrically connected to the at least one electrode and arranged to extend laterally in the electrical connection layer away from the semiconductor chip; at least one fluidic channel extending through the pocket-defining layer and above the semiconductor chip, the fluidic channel being arranged to be in fluidic communication with the at least one electrode.