Three-Dimensional Transient Thermal Analysis for a Silicon PCR Microreactor

Abstract

Three-dimensional, time-dependent, finite element analysis is employed to study temporal and spatial thermal behavior inside discrete silicon microreactors designed for polymerase chain reaction. Results recommend employing transient thermal analysis in studying cycles with very short temperature dwell-times. A thermal isolation-gap surrounding the microreactor is essential for realizing rapid thermal transients. Although the addition of pillars were of limited utility during steady-state, the improvement in temperature uniformity during a short transience is clear. An array of 15 by 15 pillars resulted in 84% reduction in temperature dispersion. The suitability of micro-reactors with pillars, having increased surface-area-to-volume ratio, is experimentally verified.

Notes

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