Abstract

Precision Glass Processing with LIDE For Lab-on-a-Chip and Microfluidic Applications

Joao Rafael Lourenco dos Santos, Director Technical Sales, LPKF Laser & Electronics SE

Glass, renowned for lab-on-a-chip and microfluidics applications due to its unique properties such as chemical inertness and biocompatibility, optical transparency, low autofluorescence, high rigidity and dimensional stability. However, its widespread use has been hindered by its glass processing techniques which are typically expensive and with limited design freedom. These also generate defects limiting glass’s application and reducing its reliability in applications and industries with stringent quality and safety requirements. With LIDE, highly precise micrometer-scale features with high aspect-ratios can be fabricated, overcoming the drawbacks of traditional glass processing. With our proprietary LIDE technology, we achieve the fabrication of depth-limited structures such as wells and channels, seamlessly integrated with through-glass structures for inlet/outlet ports, electrical interconnects, or other features of diverse geometries and dimensions. Simultaneously, LIDE defines the part outlines and facilitates their singulation. Our focus on precision and cost-effectiveness is underscored by the high throughput inherent to LIDE. This capability not only ensures quality glass microprocessing but also opens avenues for the broader integration of glass in applications traditionally dominated by other materials. The result is not only enhanced precision but also new possibilities, positioning glass as a versatile and competitive choice across a spectrum of applications and industries.