Ferro-magnetic shape memory alloy microcavity fluid sensor

A micropump comprising:

• a body;
• an inlet defined within the body;
• an outlet defined within the body;
• a channel connecting the inlet to the outlet;
• a magnetic shape memory alloy positioned within the channel forming a barrier between the inlet and the outlet;
• at least one electrode positioned along a surface of the channel within the body;
• and
• a cavity formed within a surface of the magnetic shape memory alloy due to a magnetic field, the cavity selectively moveable between a first position adjacent to the inlet, a second position adjacent to the electrode, and a third position adjacent to the outlet, by altering the magnetic field;
• at least a second electrode, wherein the at least one electrode, the second electrode, and the magnetic shape memory alloy make up a group of three electrodes in contact with a fluid within the cavity when the cavity is in the second position;
• and
• a voltage source to enable application of a voltage potential to the fluid, wherein the voltage source is coupled in series between at least two of the group of three electrodes, and wherein the remaining electrode of the group of three electrodes is configured to enable measurement of a common voltage during application of the voltage potential.