Micro-scale optofludics control based on thermoplasmonic effect of nanoparticle arrays

ended

Optofluidic control is emerging as a promising tool in wide applications like pharmaceutics, chemistry, energy, and biology, due to the development of micro-fluidic chip. The control unit usually requires complex optical set-ups or special materials for working fluid or micro-channel. The aim of the present project is to develop a light controlled microvalve technique that can be utilized to manipulate fluid flow in micro-channels and potentially promote the development of new generation of light driven micropump or micromotor. Numerical model and experimental setup will be established to investigate nanoscale photothermal conversion and temperature manipulation involved in the plasmon-assisted optofluidics. Duo to wide applications of microfluidic devices, this unique project will not only be helpful for European biomedicine industry, including R&D of new drugs, but will also promote fundamental research level in related areas, such as microfluidic control and thermoplasmonics. The project is carefully designed to match the fellow's expertise in thermoplasmonics and the expertise of the host institute in micro-flow and heat & mass transfer. The overall aim of the project is to develop a light controlled microvalve technique that can be utilized to manipulate fluid flow in micro-channels. Meanwhile, the research fellow will contribute his expertise on thermoplasmonics and photothermal conversion, and will provide important training to EU researchers, industrial contacts and undergraduates by: hosting a series of seminars, giving a special lecture on thermoplasmonics for undergraduate students, and participating in outreach activities of the university. The researcher has 5 years’ experience on experimental and numerical studies for nanoscale thermoplasmonics. Combining the host’s supervision on micro-flow and heat and mass transfer, the fellowship will provide him with perfect opportunity to develop the proposed project on optofluidic control.