fluidicjet

Fluidicjet is a term used in microfluidics and jetting technologies to describe systems that generate and control a fluid jet using fluidic circuits rather than mechanical moving parts. In these systems, fluid flow is directed by pressure, channel geometries, and fluidic components such as valves, junctions, and nozzles fabricated in materials like glass, silicon, or polymers. Actuation can be pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrohydrodynamic, enabling rapid changes in flow without motors.

The jet can be formed as a continuous stream or as discrete droplets, depending on nozzle design and operating conditions. In droplet variants, the liquid is pinched off at a junction to produce droplets with controlled size and frequency; in continuous-jet variants, the jet stability and breakup are managed through flow focusing and external fields or geometry.

Applications include lab-on-a-chip systems for chemical synthesis and biological assays, droplet-based microfluidics for single-cell analysis, high-throughput screening, and non-contact deposition in microfabrication or biofabrication. The technology is used where precise, non-mechanical fluid control is advantageous and where integration with microfluidic circuits can reduce size and cost.

Advantages of fluidicjet approaches include the absence of rotating or vibrating components, potential for compact integration with microfluidic circuits, and compatibility with harsh environments. Limitations include sensitivity to clogging, fabrication tolerances, and challenges in maintaining jet stability across broad fluid chemistries or high-velocity regimes. Ongoing research aims to improve materials, surface treatments, and integrated control strategies to expand operational capabilities.

See also: microfluidics, inkjet printing, jetting technology, droplet generation, flow control.