Integrated microchip design

Abstract

Structures and methods that facilitate integration and/or isolation of various functions in a microchip system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the integration of the functions is by a multi-chip, sliding linear valve approach. The chips are in continued physical contact. In a second embodiment, the chips are separated and rejoined when they are moved to the preferred position. Surface coating of the joining edges helps prevent leakage and keeps liquid in the capillary channels for both embodiments. Another embodiment relates to miniature valves. Several designs were disclosed, including the linear, edge-contact sliding valve approach. Method to fabricate very small, high aspect ratio holes in glass was also disclosed, which facilitates the above embodiments.

1 . An integrated microchip system, comprising: 
 (i) a plurality of microchips containing capillary channels, edge joined together, and spring biased towards each other; and    (ii) means for linearly moving said microchips against one another; wherein the capillary channels in said microchips can be connected or disconnected by the movement.    
     
     
         2 . The integrated microchip system of  claim 1 , having three microchips.  
     
     
         3 . The integrated microchip system of  claim 1 , having two microchips.  
     
     
         4 . The integrated microchip system of  claim 1 , wherein the microchips are made of glass.  
     
     
         5 . The integrated microchip system of  claim 1 , wherein any or all of the joining edges of the microchips are coated with a thin layer of Cr/Au film, and a monolayer of a hydrophobic compound.  
     
     
         6 . The integrated microchip system of  claim 1 , wherein at least some of said capillary channels are filled with media solution  
     
     
         7 . A method for microchip system integration, comprising moving the microchips of  claim 1  to connect and disconnect said capillary channels of the microchips while keeping the microchips in physical contact.  
     
     
         8 . A method for microchip system integration, comprising 
 (i) moving the microchips of  claim 6  to connect and disconnect said capillary channels of the microchips while keeping the microchips in physical contact; and    (ii) transferring said solution between said capillary channels.    
     
     
         9 . A method for microchip system integration, comprising 
 (i) separating the microchips of  claim 1  to disrupt the capillary channel connection;    (ii) moving the microchips to a desired position;    (iii) re-establishing contact of the chips such that said capillary channels are connected.    
     
     
         10 . A method for microchip system integration, comprising 
 (i) separating the microchips of  claim 6  to disrupt the capillary channel connection and the fluid connection between the capillary channels;    (ii) moving the microchips to a desired position;    (iii) re-establishing contact of the chips such that said capillary channels are connected;    (iv) transferring solution between the capillary channels.    
     
     
         11 . An integrated microchip system, comprising: 
 (i) a microfabricated microchip containing capillary channels;    (ii) at least one miniature valve;    (iii) means for connecting said at least one valve to said microchip; and    (iv) an actuator.    
     
     
         12 . The integrated microchip system of  claim 11 , wherein said at least one valve is in top contact with said microchip.  
     
     
         13 . The integrated microchip system of  claim 12 , wherein said at least one valve is a rotary valve.  
     
     
         14 . The integrated microchip system of  claim 11 , wherein said at least one valve is a linear sliding valve.  
     
     
         15 . The integrated microchip system of  claim 11 , wherein said at least one valve is in edge contact with said microchip.  
     
     
         16 . The integrated microchip system of  claim 11 , wherein said microchip is made of glass, and said at least one valve is made of plastic.  
     
     
         17 . The integrated microchip system of  claim 11 , wherein at least some of said capillary channels are filled with media solution  
     
     
         18 . A method for microchip system integration, comprising moving said at least one miniature valve of  claim 11  to connect and disconnect the capillary channels of the microchip.  
     
     
         19 . A method for microchip system integration, comprising moving said at least one miniature valve of  claim 17  to connect and disconnect the capillary channels of the microchip, and transferring the solution between the capillary channels.  
     
     
         20 . A method for fabricating very small holes with very high aspect ratios in glass, comprising: 
 (i) fabricating small grooves on one surface of a glass plate;    (ii) dicing a short strips from one edge of said plate;    (iii) flattening an edge of a blank glass plate;    (iv) placing the groove surface of the diced strip against the flattened edge of the blank glass plate;    (v) bonding the diced strip and the blank glass plate together at high temperature;    (vi) lapping both sides of the bonded glass plate and strip to insure flatness;    (vii) aligning and bonding the bonded glass plate and strip to another glass plate containing groove structures to form a complete microfabricated device.