Formation of topological microfluidic elements on stainless steel surface by use of laser microprocessing

Lavrinenko V.V., Gribovskaya O.S., Vasilieva A.V., Kurenkov R.A., Gagarina A.Y., Tarasov S.А., Kozodaev D.A.

For Russian citation (Opticheskii Zhurnal):

Лавриненко В.В., Грибовская О.С., Васильева А.В., Куренков Р.А., Гагарина А.Ю., Тарасов С.А., Козодаев Д.А. Исследование факторов формирования функциональных элементов микрофлюидной топологии на поверхности нержавеющей стали с помощью лазерной микрообработки // Оптический журнал. 2026. Т. 93. № 4. С. 91–100. http://doi.org/10.17586/1023-5086-2026-93-04-91-100

Lavrinenko V.V., Gribovskaya O.S., Vasilieva A.V., Kurenkov R.A., Gagarina A.Y., Tarasov S.A., Kozodaev D.A. Study of factors for functional elements of microfluidic topology formation on stainless steel surface by use of laser microprocessing [in Russian] // Opticheskii Zhurnal. 2026. V. 93. № 4. P. 91–100. http://doi.org/10.17586/1023-5086-2026-93-04-91-100

For citation (Journal of Optical Technology):

Abstract:

Scope of research. Formation of a microfluidic topology on the surface of a stainless steel plate using laser microtreatment with near-infrared radiation. Systems using microfluidic topologies make it possible to control the flow of liquids on a micron scale, making them practically indispensable in solving a number of research tasks in medicine, chemistry and biology. The purpose is to identify laser treatment modes that allow the formation of model microchannels on the surface of stainless steel, as well as to evaluate the surface roughness parameter Ra and the factors influencing its change. Method. Laser ablation was used as the main method. At the first stage of the study, experimental grooves were created that act as model microfluidic channels. At the second stage, laser treatment took place in the melting modes of steel, which reduced the surface roughness. Main results. It was possible to obtain model micro grooves with a width of 500 microns on the surface of stainless steel. Experimental data allowed us to identify both positive and negative factors that significantly affect the result of the formation of topological elements. The Ra parameters of the surface roughness obtained by different laser treatment modes were measured, the surface was examined for the presence of micron-scale defects using atomic force microscopy. Practical significance. The developed technology of laser microprocessing of the stainless steel surface can contribute to the development of the national production of blanks and molds for microfluidic chips of various configurations, which will make these devices more affordable and less expensive compared to modern imported devices.

Keywords:

microfluidics, microfluidic topology, laser technologies, laser surface treatment, laser polishing

OCIS codes: 260.0260, 140.0140, 260.3060, 140.3510

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