On-chip thermal calibration with 8 CB liquid crystal of micro-thermal device

Lab Chip. 2007 Nov;7(11):1600-2. doi: 10.1039/b709317a. Epub 2007 Aug 21.

Abstract

A temperature sensor integrated on a micro-device for biological experiments requires affordable, rapid and easy thermal calibration. However, such calibration cannot usually be done directly under the microscope, a fact that impedes biological experiments. We present in this paper an inexpensive and rapid method to achieve thermal calibration directly under the microscope. It is based on the use of a thermotropic liquid crystal: the 4-n-octyl-4-cyanobiphenyl (8 CB) exhibiting an isothermal phase change at 313 K that can be monitored optically. We demonstrate the advantages of this method by calibrating the temperature sensor integrated onto a micro-device.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Calibration*
  • Microfluidics / instrumentation*
  • Temperature