CA – Page 7 – TechConnect Briefs

Electrowetting on screen printed paper based substrate

Yafia M., Najjaran H., University of British Columbia, CA

In this work, electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) is performed on a paper based substrate. Electrode patterns are fabricated on a paper substrate using screen printing. Conventional photolithography fabrication techniques are replaced by screen printing conductive [...]

Droplet Dispensing from Open to Close Digital Microfluidics

Rezaei Nejad H., University of British Columbia, CA

There are two types of DMF platforms: open and closed systems. Each platform has its own advantages. For instance, it is easier to access the droplet in the open systems; whereas, the closed system limits [...]

Introducing a Digital Micropump for Driving a Droplet in a Microfluidic Channel

Rezaei Nejad H., University of British Columbia, CA

This paper presents a novel pumping technique which is compatible with both digital and continuous microfluidic platforms. In essence, a target droplet (referred to as the pumped droplet) is pumped by actuating the secondary droplet [...]

Virtual pivot point MEMS rotary comb actuator with externally mounted mirror for optical applications

Amin T.M.F., Huda M.Q., Tulip J., Jäger W., University of Alberta, CA

The design, fabrication, and characterization of a virtual pivot MEMS actuator with externally mounted mirror is presented. The provision for an externally mounted mirror can be useful for many optical applications which require large and [...]

Monitoring Strategy for Characterization of Airborne Nanoparticles

Niu J., Rasmussen P., Magee R., Nilsson G., Health Canada, CA

A major challenge in monitoring indoor exposures to nanoparticles is the selection and effective use of suitable instrumentation. Comparability, portability, response time, and reliability are important selection criteria in addition to reasonable cost. Amongst these [...]

Cryogenic Temperature Nanoscopic Voltage Profiling of Operating Laser Devices

Dhar R.S., Ban D., University of Waterloo, CA

A nanoscopic probing technique to measure voltage drop across an operating device in cryogenic temperature condition has been developed and established. The cross section surface of the terahertz (THz) quantum cascade laser (QCL) was profiled [...]

Adhesion and friction between supported pH sensitive polymeric nanoparticles monolayers

Giraud L., Giasson S., Universty of Montreal, CA

The unique property of polymers responding to external stimuli has made this class of smart materials very promising for various applications. A particular approach that has been widely used over the past decades is the [...]

Synthesis and characterization of nanoreactors within polymeric nanotemplates

McTaggart M., Groves M., Malardier-Jugroot C., Jugroot M., Malardier-Jugroot C., Royal Military College of Canada, CA

The paper will present a novel method for the synthesis of metal nanoclusters with diameters < 3nm within an amphiphilic nanotube template without the use of a reducing agent. This environmentally friendly synthesis occurs at [...]

Demand-Side Response from Industrial Loads

Starke M., Letto D., Alkadi N., George R., Johnson B., Dowling K., Khan S., ENBALA Power Networks, CA

With the adoption and integration of renewable resources that are often intermittent in nature, there appears to be an increased need for ancillary services and flexible resources to improve the reliability and efficiency of the [...]

Polyol–clay matrices with improved hydrophilic character and affinity towards CO2 – Attempts to CO2 concentration at room temperature

Nousir S., Ghomari K., Roy R., Azzouz A., University of Quebec at Montreal, CA

Polyol-clay matrices were prepared by incorporating various polyalcohols ranging from ethylene-glycol to bulky polyol dendrimers. Through thermal programmed desorption (TPD) revealed a significant enhancement of both the hydrophilic character and affinity towards CO2. The amounts [...]