Abstract: A novel microfluidic chip is proposed for performing a chemical or biochemical test in a metered reaction volume. The microfluidic chip has a body which defines an inner flow volume. An inlet has been provided to the body for connecting the inner flow volume to the ambient space. A waste channel forms part of the inner flow volume and is in fluid communication with the inlet. A sample channel also forms part of the inner flow volume and is in fluid communication with the inlet. The sample channel includes a first hydrophobic stop and a second hydrophobic stop at a distance from the first hydrophobic stop so as to provide a metered reaction volume there between. An expelling channel is in fluid communication with the metered reaction volume of the sample channel through the first hydrophobic stop. A sample reservoir is in fluid communication with the metered reaction volume of the sample channel through the second hydrophobic stop.

Abstract: A novel microfluidic chip is proposed for performing a chemical or biochemical test in a metered reaction volume. The microfluidic chip has a body which defines an inner flow volume. An inlet has been provided to the body for connecting the inner flow volume to the ambient space. A waste channel forms part of the inner flow volume and is in fluid communication with the inlet. A sample channel also forms part of the inner flow volume and is in fluid communication with the inlet. The sample channel includes a first hydrophobic stop and a second hydrophobic stop at a distance from the first hydrophobic stop so as to provide a metered reaction volume there between. An expelling channel is in fluid communication with the metered reaction volume of the sample channel through the first hydrophobic stop. A sample reservoir is in fluid communication with the metered reaction volume of the sample channel through the second hydrophobic stop.

Abstract: Ink is manufactured by mixing unoxidized metallic particles to a binder. The ink is printed on an object and hardened for forming a conductor. The process is performed in an inert atmosphere or in vacuum for maintaining the electrical conductivity of the conductor.

Abstract: Ink is manufactured by mixing unoxidized metallic particles to a binder. The ink is printed on an object and hardened for forming a conductor. The process is performed in an inert atmosphere or in vacuum for maintaining the electrical conductivity of the conductor.

Abstract: Ink is manufactured by mixing unoxidized metallic particles to a binder. The ink is printed on an object (502) and hardened for forming a conductor. The process is performed in an inert atmosphere or in vacuum for maintaining the electrical conductivity of the conductor (500).

Abstract: Ink is manufactured by mixing unoxidized metallic particles to a binder. The ink is printed on an object (502) and hardened for forming a conductor. The process is performed in an inert atmosphere or in vacuum for maintaining the electrical conductivity of the conductor (500).

Abstract: A compound of the general formula: R1R2R4MR5, wherein R1, R2 and R4 are independently an aryl, alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group, wherein at least one of R1, R2 and R4 is fully or partially fluorinated, wherein M is selected from group 14 of the periodic table, and wherein R5 is either an alkoxy group, OR3, or a halogen group, X. This compound formed can be further reacted to attach an additional organic R group, and/or hydrolyzed with one or more similar compounds (preferably having one or two R groups bound to M), to form a material having a molecular weight of from 500 to 10,000, which material can be deposited on various substrates as a coating or deposited and patterned for a waveguide or other optical device components. Methods for making and using compounds of the general formula R1R2R4MR5 are also disclosed.