Nanofluidic networks created and controlled by light

Abstract

Nanofluidic networks have been fabricated in an oil-in-water emulsion. Micron-sized oil drops with ultralow interfacial tensions are connected by stable oil threads a few nm across. Lasers are used both to construct the nanofluidic network and to transport the fluid from one drop to another. These networks form a platform for chemistry on the attolitre scale.