Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a cartridge (1) comprising a channel (1a) along which a sample fluid can flow; one or more elements (3, 4) which are configured to manipulate light in a predefined manner, and wherein said one or more elements (3, 4) are located in a predefined position relative to the channel (1a). There is further provided an assembly which comprises said cartridge (1) and an optical device (5) which can emit light; and a method of aligning the optical device (5) over the channel (1a) of the cartridge (1) using said one or more elements (3, 4) so that when the optical device (5) emits light it will be incident on any sample fluid provided in the channel (1).

Abstract: A microfluidic device (1) comprising, a pallet, having a first surface (4a) and second, opposite, surface (4b); the first surface (4a) having defined therein, a main channel (5), and one or more inlet subsidiary channels (6a,6b) each of which is in fluid communication with the main channel (5) at a first junction (7) which is located at one end of the main channel (5), and corresponding one or more outlet subsidiary channels (8a,8b) each of which is in fluid communication with the main channel (5) at a second junction (9) which is located an second, opposite, end of the main channel (5); wherein the depth (‘d’) of the one or more inlet subsidiary channels (6a,6b) and the depth (‘?’) of the one or more outlet subsidiary channels (8a,8b) is less than the depth (‘f) of the main channel (5) so that there is step (106a,106b, 108a, 108b) defined at the first junction (7) and at the second junction (9); the second, opposite, surface (4b) having defined therein a groove (15) which can receive a means for generating a

Abstract: An interface component (40), suitable for cooperating with a microfluidic device (1), the interface component comprising, one or more elements (41) which can be selectively connected to a pneumatic system (71 a,71 b) which can provide a positive and/or negative air flow to the one or more elements (41); wherein each of the one or more elements (41) comprises, an input port (42) which can be selectively fluidly connected to a pneumatic system (71 a,71 b); and a flow restrictor (43) according to a further aspect of the present invention; the flow restrictor (43) being arranged in fluid communication with the input port (42), wherein the flow restrictor (43) can restrict the flow of fluid through the element (41); and an aerosol filter (49) which is arranged to be in fluid communication with the flow restrictor (43); and wherein the interface component (40) further comprises one or more outlets (45), each of the one or more outlets (45) being in fluid communication with a respective element (41), so that fluid c