Glass
Manufacturing of labs-on-chips involves a wide range of conditions, including exposure to high temperatures, corrosive chemicals, and water. Glass as a substrate material is ideal for use in these environments for its chemical pureness, thermal shock resistance, and high mechanical stability. Besides, in glass parts and components very precise and smooth micro- and nanostructures can be realized.
The use of glass for microsystems is a good option if the application needs excellent optical transparency combined with chemical inertness and extreme flatness. These characteristics make it a popular material for life science and pharmaceutical applications.
Glass is also an excellent material for the integration of electrical and sensing functions for its dielectric properties, high seal resistance, and absence of auto-fluorescence.
Types of glass
At Micronit the most used types of glass are Borosilicate glass (e.g. D263®, Borofloat®, MEMpax®, AF 45, AF 32), Fused silica and Soda-lime glass (e.g. B270®).
- Thickness: 0.1mm-2mm
- Thermal resistance: up to 450 °C
- Chemical inertness: high resistance to water, acids, alkalis, and organic substances
- Surface roughness: optical quality (≤ 1nm RMS)
- Autofluorescence: very low
- Refractive index: n = 1.5-1.9
Are you working on a glass microfluidic device? Or would you like to discuss the best type of material for your project? Please, feel free to contact us directly. Our Sales and R&D teams will be happy to assist you!