Abstract
This work explores the potential of microwave heating for applications requiring parallel DNA amplification platforms. Device characterization and thermal modeling is performed on 4.1 mu l microfluidic chamber fabricated in polycarbonate. Microwave power at 6 GHz is delivered to the chamber via copper transmission line in a microstrip configuration. Microwave power reflection coefficient and temperature measurements are performed to characterize the power coupled to the chamber and rate of change in temperature. Temperatures up to 72 degrees C are achieved with less than 400 mW power applied at the input of the transmission line. Initial heating and cooling rates measured experimentally are similar to 7 and similar to 6 degrees C/s, respectively. These results suggest that microwave heating is an efficient, rapid heating technique suitable for programmable, parallel DNA amplification platforms to be empolyed in future genetic analysis systems.