Research projects

Firstly, we carried out precise simulations for calculating the proper dimensions of the optomechanical capillary sensors that will be used throughout the project. The devices should have dimensions between 100 and 200 microns in length, and between 10 and 20 microns in diameter. In addition, they will possess localized microbubbles with diameters between 20 and 30 microns. The capillary wall thickness may not be less than 2 microns in any of its areas. Then, we assembled a novel experimental system for manufacturing these devices from commercial silica microcapillaries. 

The manufacturing process consists of 2 steps. The first step consists of heating the commercial microcapillaries by means of a flame and/or a CO2 laser in a controlled manner, while they are stretched using micropositioners. This step allows reducing the diameter of the commercial capillaries from the initial 350 microns to a minimum of 6 microns. The second step consists of injecting nitrogen into the microcapillaries, while heating them too, which increases their internal pressure and gives rise to the formation of localized microbubbles having a diameter in betwen 15 and 50 microns. By regulating the stretching time, the power of the flame and/or the CO2 laser, the nitrogen pressure and its injection time, it is possible to control the final dimensions of the devices. For the same purpose, an external service has been contracted to investigate the manufacture of these devices with a pioneer commercial system. This system will allow the sensors to be manufactured with much greater control of their final dimensions.

Finally, we have started setting up the experimental system that will be used for characterizing the mechanical and the optical modes of the sensors, while bacteria flow inside them.