Utilization of Surface Tension and Wettability in the Design and Operation of Microsensors.

摘要

The behavior of fluid droplets contained within shaped capillaries and voids can be utilized to convert forces acting upon the droplets to observable displacements which accurately quantify these forces. The position of droplets within such micro-sensors is governed by surface tension, wettability, and the geometric configuration of the confining walls. If non-wetting fluids are employed, the micro-sensors can also be made to operate as micro-valves, micro -switches, optical micro-shutters, as well as other devices. Having no mechanical parts to wear out, such micro-sensors are inherently immune to many orders-of-magnitude over-actuation. Both circular and non-circular confining structures can be employed.