Microfluidic sensing
A microfluidic sensing assembly may include a first structure supporting a sensor array, a second structure joined to the first structure and forming a microfluidic passage and a flat lens to focus light, following reflection of the light back and forth across the microfluidic passage, from the microfluidic passage onto the sensor array.
1 . A microfluidic sensing assembly comprising:
a first structure supporting a sensor array;
a second structure joined to the first structure, the second structure forming a microfluidic passage comprising a reflective material on opposing sides of the microfluidic passage;
a flat lens on a side of the microfluidic passage to focus light, following reflection of the light back and forth across the microfluidic passage, from the microfluidic passage onto the sensor array; and
a light coupler positioned and configured to direct the light at a portion of the microfluidic passage such that the light reflect off of the reflective material on each of the opposing sides at least once prior to reaching the flat lens.
2 . The microfluidic sensing assembly of claim 1 further comprising the light coupler on the side of the microfluidic passage to receive and direct the light into the microfluidic passage.
3 . The microfluidic sensing assembly of claim 2 , when the second structure comprises a layer upon which both the light coupler and the flat lens are supported.
4 . The microfluidic sensing assembly of claim 3 , wherein the layer comprises a photo-imageable epoxy.
5 . The microfluidic sensing assembly of claim 3 , wherein the light coupler and the flat lens are coplanar.
6 . The microfluidic sensing assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first structure supports the flat lens.
7 . The microfluidic sensing assembly of claim 6 , wherein the first structure supports the light coupler.
8 . The microfluidic sensing assembly of claim 1 further comprising the light coupler, wherein the second structure supports the light coupler.
9 . The microfluidic sensing assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first structure is releasably joined to the second structure and wherein the first structure supports the flat lens and the light coupler.
10 . The microfluidic sensing assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first structure supports the light coupler and where the second structure supports the flat lens.
11 . The microfluidic sensing assembly of claim 1 further comprising a fluid actuator supported by the second structure along the microfluidic passage.