Lab Notebook Timeline

Goals: To construct the droplet-generation module and the optical breadboard, achieve stable, continuous, and size-tunable droplet generation, and carry out preliminary fluorescence-detection validation using blank chips, the pure oil phase, and droplets; also to address non-uniform droplet size, chip clogging, and the weak signal of single-cell encapsulation.

Goals: To build and validate the detection-and-sorting signal chain (PMT, comparator, FPGA, function generator, high-voltage amplifier, and DEP electrodes), complete the optical-path modification so that the PMT and camera can work simultaneously, and carry out the first droplet-sorting trial.

Goals: To optimize the droplet-generation chip against clogging through 0.22 um filtration and widened channels, complete the optical modification using a 700 nm LED, an ND filter, and a 535 nm filter, confirm the sorting function and the high-voltage amplifier model, and introduce the CH297 photon counter to improve narrow-pulse acquisition.

Goals: To validate dielectrophoretic (DEP) sorting using smaller droplets and a narrowed laser detection gate, complete fluorescence discrimination among induced, uninduced, and background samples, and perform end-to-end system latency tests.

Goals: To validate sorting stability through 1 Hz gate-cycle switching, and complete the mCherry-adapted optical-path modification so that the downstream detection, droplet identification, and sorting logic can be reused without change.