Bubble-based micropump

A micro-pump for pumping liquid, comprising:

• a center channel having a cross section and opposing first and second ends;
• an opposing first chamber being disposed at the first opposing end of the center channel, the opposing first channel having a cross section larger than the cross section of the center channel;
• an opposing second chamber being disposed at the second opposing end of the center channel, the opposing second chamber having a cross section larger than the cross section of the center channel;
• and
• at least two heaters disposed along a length of the center channel in order to provide a bi-directional pumping action in which a flow direction of the liquid is dependent on which of the at least two heaters are energized.

A method of pumping a liquid in a micro-pump, the micro-pump including a center channel for transporting the liquid therein, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing localized heat to the liquid;
• forming a vapor bubble from the liquid at a location of the localized heat;
• and
• collapsing the vapor bubble,
• wherein providing localized heat is provided by two or more heaters along the center channel in order to push the liquid in the center channel between two opposing chambers each having a cross section larger than a cross section of the center channel.