Temperature controller for small fluid samples with different heat capacities

A temperature controlled fluidic sample system comprising:

• a fluidic sample device having first and second outer surfaces and at least one internal compartment configured to hold a fluid sample, said compartment being located between two imaginary planes that are spaced apart by a height (h) of said compartment, the two imaginary planes being parallel to one another and also parallel to the first and second outer surfaces, the two imaginary planes defining between them a first volume in which the compartment resides;
• at least one temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature within the first volume;
• a heater thermally coupled to said first outer surface;
• a heat sink thermally coupled to said second outer surface such that the first outer surface and the second outer surface overlap one another in a direction perpendicular to at least one of the outer surfaces;
• and
• a temperature controller configured to receive temperature information from said temperature sensor and cause the heater to provide heat and the heat sink to provide cooling, such that:
• a temperature gradient is formed between the first outer surface and the second outer surface;
• and
• a desired temperature is maintained within said first volume.

A method of controlling temperature of at least two fluidic samples having different heat capacities, the method comprising:

• passing first and second fluidic samples along first and second paths formed in a common device, the first fluidic sample having a first heat capacity and the second fluidic sample having a second heat capacity, said first and second paths being substantially along a common plane within said device;
• forming a temperature gradient in a direction orthogonal to said plane such that a uniform heat flux passes through said plane, the temperature gradient being formed between a heater thermally coupled to said device and providing heat on one side of the plane, and a heat sink thermally coupled to said device and providing cooling on an opposite side of the plane;
• measuring a temperature of the device at a point in said plane, said point being between the first and second paths;
• and
• adjusting at least one of the heater and the heat sink, based on the measured temperature of the device.

A method of controlling temperature of at least two fluidic samples, the method comprising:

• passing first and second fluidic samples along first and second paths formed in a common device, the first fluidic sample having a first flow rate through the device and the second fluidic sample having a second flow rate through the device, said first and second paths being substantially along a common plane within said device;
• forming a temperature gradient in a direction orthogonal to said plane such that a uniform heat flux passes through said plane, the temperature gradient being formed between a heater thermally coupled to said device and providing heat on one side of the plane, and a heat sink thermally coupled to said device and providing cooling on an opposite side of the plane;
• measuring a temperature of the device at a point in said plane, said point being between the first and second paths;
• and
• adjusting at least one of the heater and the heat sink, based on the measured temperature of the device.