Pulsed laser triggered high speed microfluidic switch and applications in fluorescent activated cell sorting

A high-speed microfluidic switch, said switch comprising:

• a first microfluidic channel comprising a split into a plurality of paths, said plurality of paths comprising at least a first path and a second path;
• a liquid or gel filled second channel adjacent to said first microfluidic channel where said liquid or gel flows through said second channel and said second channel is disposed such that formation of a gas or plasma bubble in said second channel redirects particles flowing into said first path so they flow into said second path;
• and
• a pulse laser focused on said second channel and configured to provide sufficient energy to form said gas or plasma bubble;
• wherein said switch comprises a wall between said second channel and said first microfluidic channel where said wall is disposed so that formation of a gas or plasma bubble in said second channel deforms said wall to redirect particles flowing into said first path so they flow into said second path.