A high flow rate DC magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) micropump

We present a device that allows high-speed DC magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) pumping in 75-mu m-deep closed glass microchannels. High DC current densities (J) can be applied across the main channel without introducing bubbles. Linear velocities of up to 1.25 mm/sec (0.7 mu L/min) were observed in buffered solutions using a 0.4 T NdFeB permanent magnet, at a current density of 4000 A/m(2). The current density and corresponding flow speed are 50 and 30 times higher respectively, with a channel height 4 times smaller than reported by others in closed channels [1].