Abstract: A micro-gas chromatograph column is formed by texturing a channel into a plurality of green-sheet layers, which are then sintered together to form a substantially monolithic structure. A thick-film paste may be added to the channel textured in the green-sheet layers to provide a porous plug sintered in the micro-gas chromatograph column in the substantially monolithic. A thermal conductivity detector is formed in the substantially monolithic structure by depositing a conductive thick-film paste on the surface of one of the green-sheet layers to define a resistor in an exit channel of the micro-gas chromatograph column.

Abstract: A multilayered microfluidic DNA analysis system includes a cell lysis chamber, a DNA separation chamber, a DNA amplification chamber, and a DNA detection system. The multilayered microfluidic DNA analysis system is provided as a substantially monolithic structure formed from a plurality of green-sheet layers sintered together. The substantially monolithic structure has defined therein a means for heating the DNA amplification chamber and a means for cooling the DNA amplification chamber. The means for heating and means for cooling operate to cycle the temperature of the DNA amplification chamber as required for performing a DNA amplification process, such as PCR.

Abstract: A micro-gas chromatograph column is formed by texturing a channel into a plurality of green-sheet layers, which are then sintered together to form a substantially monolithic structure. A thick-film paste may be added to the channel textured in the green-sheet layers to provide a porous plug sintered in the micro-gas chromatograph column in the substantially monolithic. A thermal conductivity detector is formed in the substantially monolithic structure by depositing a conductive thick-film paste on the surface of one of the green-sheet layers to define a resistor in an exit channel of the micro-gas chromatograph column.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for conducting analyses, particularly microfluidic devices. In preferred aspects, the devices are fabricated using ceramic multilayer technology to form devices in which parallel, independently controlled molecular reactions, such as nucleic acid amplification reactions including the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be performed. Additionally, the devices can include and comprise micro-gas chromatographs similarly fabricated from ceramics.

Abstract: A capillary electrophoresis device having a substrate layer and a cover layer, with a plurality of electrophoresis channels formed in the substrate layer, includes an optical waveguide system that transmits excitation radiation from a source port into each one of the electrophoresis channels. The optical waveguide system is defined by regions, within either the cover or substrate, that have an index of refraction higher than that of the surrounding material.

Abstract: A multilayered microfluidic DNA analysis system includes a cell lysis chamber, a DNA separation chamber, a DNA amplification chamber, and a DNA detection system. The multilayered microfluidic DNA analysis system is provided as a substantially monolithic structure formed from a plurality of green-sheet layers sintered together. The substantially monolithic structure has defined therein a means for heating the DNA amplification chamber and a means for cooling the DNA amplification chamber. The means for heating and means for cooling operate to cycle the temperature of the DNA amplification chamber as required for performing a DNA amplification process, such as PCR.

Abstract: A micro-gas chromatograph column is formed by texturing a channel into a plurality of green-sheet layers, which are then sintered together to form a substantially monolithic structure. A thick-film paste may be added to the channel textured in the green-sheet layers to provide a porous plug sintered in the micro-gas chromatograph column in the substantially monolithic. A thermal conductivity detector is formed in the substantially monolithic structure by depositing a conductive thick-film paste on the surface of one of the green-sheet layers to define a resistor in an exit channel of the micro-gas chromatograph column.

Abstract: A multilayered microfluidic DNA analysis system includes a cell lysis chamber, a DNA separation chamber, a DNA amplification chamber, and a DNA detection system. The multilayered microfluidic DNA analysis system is provided as a substantially monolithic structure formed from a plurality of green-sheet layers sintered together. The substantially monolithic structure has defined therein a means for heating the DNA amplification chamber and a means for cooling the DNA amplification chamber. The means for heating and means for cooling operate to cycle the temperature of the DNA amplification chamber as required for performing a DNA amplification process, such as PCR.

Abstract: A micro-gas chromatograph column is formed by texturing a channel into a plurality of green-sheet layers, which are then sintered together to form a substantially monolithic structure. A thick-film paste may be added to the channel textured in the green-sheet layers to provide a porous plug sintered in the micro-gas chromatograph column in the substantially monolithic. A thermal conductivity detector is formed in the substantially monolithic structure by depositing a conductive thick-film paste on the surface of one of the green-sheet layers to define a resistor in an exit channel of the micro-gas chromatograph column.