Miniaturized fluid flow switch

A miniaturized fluid flow switch for directed deflection of a sample fluid using a carrier fluid, comprising:

• at least two carrier flow channels having a common carrier fluid input for receiving said carrier fluid;
• a sample fluid channel having a sample fluid input, independent of said common carrier fluid input, for receiving said sample fluid;
• a distributor chamber having said sample fluid channel communicated therewith for receiving a flow of said sample fluid, said distributor chamber also having said at least two carrier flow channels communicated therewith for steering said flow of said sample fluid by flows of said carrier fluid;
• at least two outlet channels communicating with said distributor chamber and disposed to selectively receive said flow of said sample fluid in dependence on said steering by flows of said carrier fluid;
• said carrier flow channels each having a reduced cross section portion, having a cross section smaller than other portions of said carrier flow channels;
• and
• controllable heating devices provided in close thermal contact with respective ones of said reduce cross section portions of said carrier flow channels and thermally insulated relative to remaining portions of said fluid flow switch.