Pressure-driven flow in open fluidic channels

► High flow speeds are demonstrated in open fluidic channels. ► Ribbons of fluid distort slightly to account for the pressure head. ► Stable bulges display strong recirculation patterns potentially suitable for mixing. ► Applications in air-borne contaminate detection and interfacing to fluidic systems. ► The approach is in keeping with recent striving for simplification in microfluidics.