Devices, methods, and systems for visualizing electrowetting pathing using electrophoretic materials
AssigneeE Ink Corporation
InventorsRichard J. PAOLINI, JR., Brian D. BEAN
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Electrophoretic visualization devices for interfacing with a processing unit configured to drive electrowetting on dielectric (EWoD) digital microfluidic devices. The visualization devices allow a user to visualize droplet pathing in the microfluidic workspace as well as implementation of magnetic fields and heat. Using the visualization devices, a researcher can test pathing protocols, magnetic engagement, and heating without using an actual digital microfluidic device or chemical reagents.
Claims23
A visualization device, comprising in order as viewed from above:
- a light transmissive electrode layer;
- an electrophoretic medium comprising charged particles that translate in response to an applied electric field, an applied magnetic field, or a change in temperature;
- an adhesive layer;
- a hydrophobic layer;
- a dielectric layer;
- and
- a substrate comprising a plurality of propulsion electrodes coupled to a set of thin-film-transistors, the propulsion electrodes being disposed on a side of the substrate toward the dielectric layer.
A system for visualizing digital microfluidic pathing, comprising:
- a digital microfluidic processing unit, including a processor and memory, and configured to provide instructions to an active matrix of propulsion electrodes to cause one or more aqueous droplets in a hydrophobic medium to move across the matrix of propulsion electrodes by changing the voltage provided to the respective propulsion electrodes as a function of time;
- a visualization device comprising a light-transmissive electrode, an electrophoretic medium, and an active matrix of propulsion electrodes controlled by thin-film-transistors, the visualization device being coupled to the digital microfluidic processing unit and configured to receive the instructions;
- and
- a camera to observe changes in the visualization device when the instructions are delivered from the digital microfluidic processing unit to the visualization device.
A method for visualizing programmed pathing or magnetic actuation in a digital microfluidic device including an array of propulsion electrodes controlled by thin-film-transistors, the method comprising:
- providing a digital microfluidic processing unit, including a processor and memory, and configured to provide instructions to an active matrix of propulsion electrodes to cause one or more aqueous droplets in a hydrophobic medium to move across the matrix of propulsion electrodes by changing the voltage provided to the respective propulsion electrodes as a function of time;
- providing a visualization device comprising a light-transmissive electrode, an electrophoretic medium, and an active matrix of propulsion electrodes controlled by thin-film-transistors;
- coupling the visualization device to the digital microfluidic processing unit;
- executing instructions for an active matrix of propulsion electrodes to cause one or more aqueous droplets in a hydrophobic medium to move across the matrix of propulsion electrodes by changing the voltage provided to the respective propulsion electrodes as a function of time;
- and
- visualizing a change in the visualization device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.