FIG. 1.
(a) A schematic of an on-demand droplet processor. The on-demand droplet generation system consists of four different aqueous phase inlets, one continuous oil phase inlet, one waste outlet, and one droplet collection outlet (not shown). Detailed structures' channel intersection with a droplet-forming nozzle is shown in the zoomed-in inset (not to scale). (b) A simplified electrical circuit analogous model. Fluidic channels and tubing constitutes 1 variable resistance for Rpump and 6 constant resistances for the others. Resistances in sheath flows are combined into a single sample resistance. During operation, 3 input pressures are controlled and internal pressures at 3 different locations (P1, P2, P3) determines the size of droplets generated, flow rates of droplets, and droplet contents.