The research project aims to create and characterize a 2D single cell analysis setup based on surface acoustic waves. For the first time, the position of the cells (simulated by particles), the flow velocity of the surrounding liquid and the local temperature distribution will be measured with novel, locally high-resolution measurement techniques to obtain detailed insights into the influence of high-frequency sound waves (>100 MHz) on liquids and the corpuscular components (particles, cells) suspended therein. Experimental characterizations of SAW fields in the fluid-loaded microchamber by means of laser Doppler vibrometry and measurements of velocity and temperature distribution with the APTV are intended to clarify fundamental microacoustic, flow and thermodynamic questions of SAW microfluidics which are not answered in the current literature and to highlight their interdependencies. This will be supported by the development of models for the numerical simulation of local temperature, pressure and flow gradients. Based on the results it should be possible in the future to derive general design and application criteria for microfluidics with high-frequency acoustic surface waves, which for example for the aisierte 2D single cell analysis arrangement not only guarantee a stable operation but also promise a low mechanical and thermal load of the cells in endurance tests.
In order to achieve the scientific goals, the following individual goals are to be developed step by step
- Establishment of a reference setup for the investigation of the novel measurement techniques as well as for basic research of the SAW-induced shear and temperature stresses on model particles which are large in comparison to the SAW wavelength.
- Characterization of surface acoustic wave fields by birefringent material using laser Doppler vibrometry.
- Qualification of the Aptv for simultaneous flow and temperature measurements by birefringent LiNbO3.
- Setup of a micro-acoustic 2D single-cell analysis system.
- Characterization of the particle focusing as well as the velocity and temperature fields in the single cell analysis device to derive the shear and temperature load in a realistic application.
- Wave field characterizations to determine the correlation of the measured acoustically induced velocity and temperature distributions to SAW amplitude, frequency and fluid properties.
- Comparison of experimental results with numerical simulation to derive improved models for SAW microfluidics.
