Abstract: Devices and methods for contactless heating of a fluid in a chamber using a high frequency alternating potential are described. At least two electrodes are coupled to the chamber such that the alternating potential is coupled to the fluid inside the chamber and heats the fluid. A control loop derives a signal from the alternating potential and uses the signal to control the alternating potential. The devices and methods described determine temperature and/or conductivity of the fluid using the signal.

Abstract: Devices and methods for contactless heating of a fluid in a chamber using a high frequency alternating potential are described. At least two electrodes are coupled to the chamber such that the alternating potential is coupled to the fluid inside the chamber and heats the fluid. A control loop derives a signal from the alternating potential and uses the signal to control the alternating potential. The devices and methods described determine temperature and/or conductivity of the fluid using the signal.

Abstract: Miniaturized planar column devices for use in a liquid phase separation apparatus are described. The devices include microstructures that have been fabricated by laser ablation in a variety of novel support substrates. Devices formed according to the methods of the invention include associated laser-ablated features required for function, such as on-device reservoirs or makeup flow compartments, analyte detection means and sample injection means. The miniaturized columns can be used in an apparatus intended for analysis of either small and/or macromolecular solutes in the liquid phase which employs chromatographic, electrophoretic or electrochromatographic separation means. The apparatus can include a variety of optional injection means, manifolds, keeper means, post column collection means, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Miniaturized planar column devices are described for use in liquid phase analysis, the devices comprising microstructures fabricated by laser ablation in a variety of novel support substrates. Devices formed according to the invention include associated laser-ablated features required for function, such as analyte detection means and fluid communication means. Miniaturized columns constructed under the invention find use in any analysis system performed on either small and/or macromolecular solutes in the liquid phase and may employ chromatographic, electrophoretic, electrochromatographic separation means, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: In a method of forming a microchannel and/or microcavity structure by bonding together two elements (1, 2) having opposed plane surfaces of the same or different material, one or both surfaces having open channels and/or cavities, bonding is effected by applying to one or both element surfaces (1, 2) a thin layer (3) of a solution of a material capable of fusing with and having a lower melting point than that of the material or materials of the two element surfaces (1, 2) in a solvent which substantially does not dissolve the element surface material or materials. The solvent is then removed, and the two elements (1, 2) are brought together and heated to a temperature where the dissolved material is caused to melt but not the element surface material or materials.

Abstract: Miniaturized planar column devices are described for use in liquid phase analysis, the devices comprising microstructures fabricated by laser ablation in a variety of novel support substrates. Devices formed according to the invention include associated laser-ablated features required for function, such as analyte detection means and fluid communication means. Miniaturized columns constructed under the invention find use in any analysis system performed on either small and/or macromolecular solutes in the liquid phase and may employ chromatographic, electrophoretic, electrochromatographic separation means, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Miniaturized planar column devices are described for use in liquid phase analysis, the devices comprising microstructures fabricated by laser ablation in a variety of novel support substrates. Devices formed according to the invention include associated laser-ablated features required for function, such as analyte detection means and fluid communication means. Miniaturized columns constructed under the invention find use in any analysis system performed on either small and/or macromolecular solutes in the liquid phase and may employ chromatographic, electrophoretic, electrochromatographic separation means, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Miniaturized planar column devices are described for use in liquid phase analysis, the devices comprising microstructures fabricated by laser ablation in a variety of novel support substrates. Devices formed according to the invention include associated laser-ablated features required for function, such as analyte detection means and fluid communication means. Miniaturized columns constructed under the invention find use in any analysis system performed on either small and/or macromolecular solutes in the liquid phase and may employ chromatographic, electrophoretic, electrochromatographic separation means, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A miniaturized column analytical apparatus having a miniaturized column device containing a body with an elongate separation compartment is provided. Two or more sets of spaced apart antennas are positioned along the elongate separation compartment. The elongate separation compartment has first and second opposing sides along its elongate dimension. Each set of antenna contains a plurality of antennas. One antenna from each set is associated with at least one antenna from each of the other sets to form repeating sequences of antennas along the separation compartment on the opposing sides of the separation compartment. Each set of the antennas is associated with a different oscillating electrical potential to provide a plurality of oscillating electric fields along the elongate separation compartment to draw a target substance along the elongate separation compartment toward an exit end of the separation compartment. The detector can detect a target substance passing out of the elongate separation compartment.

Abstract: Miniaturized planar column devices and miniaturized total analysis systems for liquid phase analysis are disclosed. The systems include a temperature control device for regulating temperature, preferably a thermoelectric device comprising Peltier elements.

Abstract: A miniaturized total analysis system (".mu.-TAS") comprising a miniaturized planar column device is described for use in liquid phase analysis. The .mu.-TAS comprises microstructures fabricated by laser ablation in a variety of novel support substrates. The .mu.-TAS includes associated laser-ablated features required for integrated sample analysis, such as analyte detection means and fluid communication means. .mu.-TAS constructed according to the invention is useful in any analysis system for detecting and analyzing small and/or macromolecular solutes in the liquid phase and may employ chromatographic separation means, electrophoretic separation means, electrochromatographic separation means, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A miniaturized total analysis system (".mu.-TAS") comprising a miniaturized planar column device is described for use in liquid phase analysis. The .mu.-TAS comprises microstructures fabricated by laser ablation in a variety of novel support substrates. The .mu.-TAS includes associated laser-ablated features required for integrated sample analysis, such as analyte detection means and fluid communication means. .mu.-TAS constructed according to the invention is useful in any analysis system for detecting and analyzing small and/or macromolecular solutes in the liquid phase and may employ chromatographic separation means, electrophoretic separation means, electrochromatographic separation means, or combinations thereof.