Abstract: Eccentrically actuated microvalves and micropumps. Microfluidic channels are formed in multi-layered laminar assemblies with at least one layer including an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the microvalves and micropumps are controlled by eccentrically driven actuators, including in some embodiments cam-driven actuators. A cam-driven actuator activates a microvalve by pressing on the elastomeric layer, deforming the elastomeric layer so that it meets a second layer at a location within the channel, thereby either partially or completely obstructing the flow of liquid through the channel at that location, i.e. “pinching” the channel. The actuator is moved into position by a cam, which includes detents that allow the actuator to move away from the first layer or raised areas that force the actuator to move toward the first layer. Some embodiments include multiple microvalves, in which case a single cam, controlled by a single position-control mechanism, is able to control multiple microvalves.

Abstract: Near-field electromagnetic devices having an opaque metallic screen with a fractal iterate aperture are provided. More specifically, the aperture is obtained by application of a self-similar replacement rule to an initial shape two or more times. Alternatively, the aperture can be obtained by application of a self-similar replacement rule one or more times to an initial C-shape. Such apertures tend to have multiple transmission resonances due to their multiple length scales. Fractal iterate apertures can provide enhanced transmission and improved spatial resolution simultaneously. Enormous improvement in transmission efficiency is possible. In one example, a checkerboard fractal iterate aperture provides 1011 more intensity gain than a square aperture having the same spatial resolution. Efficient transmission for fractal iterate apertures having spatial resolution of ?/20 is also shown.

Abstract: Near-field electromagnetic devices having an opaque metallic screen with a fractal iterate aperture are provided. More specifically, the aperture is obtained by application of a self-similar replacement rule to an initial shape two or more times. Alternatively, the aperture can be obtained by application of a self-similar replacement rule one or more times to an initial C-shape. Such apertures tend to have multiple transmission resonances due to their multiple length scales. Fractal iterate apertures can provide enhanced transmission and improved spatial resolution simultaneously. Enormous improvement in transmission efficiency is possible. In one example, a checkerboard fractal iterate aperture provides 1011 more intensity gain than a square aperture having the same spatial resolution. Efficient transmission for fractal iterate apertures having spatial resolution of ?/20 is also shown.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for preparation of radiochemicals, such as PET molecular imaging probes, wherein the reaction step or steps that couple the radioactive isotope to an organic or inorganic compound to form a positron-emitting molecular imaging probe are performed in a microfluidic environment.