The MicroChemLab is a handheld chemical analysis system that combines sample handling, separation, and detection. MicroChemLab combines three cascaded stages; each realized using microfabricated components.
The discrimination power of analytical chemistry techniques may one day be realized with micro-analytical systems that combine sensors with means for collecting samples, preconcentrating them, and separating constituent species for identification and quantification. Work is underway to construct on-chip building blocks for these systems, including pumps, valves, preconcentrators, gas-chromatograph columns, and sensors.
Stage one collects and concentrates samples.
Stage two is a gas chromatography (GC) column used to achieve sample separations.
Stage three is an array of surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors used to detect the sample.
For more information, select a stage from the image below or download the brochure (pdf):
 Preconcentrator Stage 1 |
 Separation Stage 2 |
 Detection Stage 3 |
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Please address comments or questions to MGA@sandia.gov.
