A micromagnetoflowcell for microfluidic measurements

An experimental micromagnetoflowcell viscometer was fabricated to enable viscosity measurements for microscopic quantities of liquid. The device measures the terminal velocity of superparamagnetic microparticles to determine the fluid properties. The motion of these particles is controlled by the magnetic fields generated from microscopic electromagnetic loops. Initial experiments have been conducted for different fluids, using high speed video microscopy. The results are consistent with viscosity differences and have established proof of principle for the device.