Version française
Skip to main content

Laser-based production of microfluidic channels and micro-welding in glass

By 28 Oktober 2022Juni 9th, 2023Interviews

About your idea

What is your idea?

The idea proposed to the Microtech Booster is mainly driven by the industrial request of “direct engraving” of micrometre structures, so-called “microfluidic channels” in glass substrates.

An additional promising processing step of “laser micro-welding” will be tested afterwards for sealing these channels to let e.g. a fluid/gas flow through for further measurements. We want to take advantage of ultra-short pulse laser micromachining to combine ablation and welding in femtosecond regime.

Who is this innovation aimed at, respectively who will be the end user and in which areas of application could this innovation be useful ?

The idea presented will enable RhySearch to test the capacity of glass micromachining/microstructuring with non-conventional machining (laser micromachining) and address end users having applications like microfluidic screening (cell, genome sequencing) or flow sensors in chemically aggressive environments.

The process development behind this idea will mainly benefit partners with applications in the biomedical, optic and in the fluid/gas sensing industry.

What benefits will it bring to users?

One of the main advantages is the combination of glass material featuring outstanding physical and chemical properties to direct laser engraving and micro-welding, thus enabling smaller and high-quality microfluidic systems with higher cost effectiveness and measurement reliability.

Which partners are you looking for for your project?

We are looking for academical or industrial partners with applications or looking for solutions in the field of glass micromachining and micro-welding. Partners e.g. in the biomedical, sensor or optic industry are very welcome.

About you and the Booster

Who are you and what is your professional background ?

My name is Rodolphe Catrin, I’m passionate of materials science. I specialized in laser surface functionalization at Saarland University (Ph.D., Germany), then began an international engineering career in the energy and aerospace industry before experiencing business development and sales in the electronics industry and last joining RhySearch in applied research for multidisciplinary industry sectors.

Where do you currently work and what position do you hold?

I work at RhySearch in the team Ultra-Precision Manufacturing Lab as Project Leader in charge of Laser Material Micromanufacturing.

How did you hear about the Microtech Booster?

Through a colleague at RhySearchRaoul Roth – being already an active member on the platform.

Would you like to participate in this idea?

Join the team on the platform.