Sort-synchronization control in microfluidic loop devices with experimental uncertainties using a model predictive control (MPC) framework

Abstract Droplet microfluidic devices are being used in several applications. Increasing sophistication of these applications require precise control of the droplet behavior in such devices. However, it has been shown that even the simplest loop devices (a channel that splits into two arms and subsequently recombines) can demonstrate nonlinear behavior like period doubling, bifurcations and chaos. This behavior of the droplets makes control using traditional methods difficult. In this paper, a model based control algorithm is proposed for active sort-synchronization control in microfluidic devices. A recently proposed network model is used in this control. The control concepts are demonstrated on simulation studies using a prototypical loop device.

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