Patent attributes
Techniques for making fluid flow devices are described. The technique is based on radiation-induced conversion of a radiation-sensitive substance from a first state to a second state. With adjustment of the radiation parameters such as power and scan speed we can control the depths of barriers that are formed within a substrate which can produce 3D flow paths. We have used this depth-variable patterning protocol for stacking and sealing of multilayer substrates, for assembly of backing layers for two-dimensional (2D) lateral flow devices and for fabrication of 3D devices. Since the 3D flow paths can be formed via a single laser-writing process by controlling the patterning parameters, this is a distinct improvement over other methods that require multiple complicated and repetitive assembly procedures.