Microfluidic Methods for In Situ Chemical Studies: On Demand Droplet Generation and X-ray Compatible Devices

Microfluidics is the study of fluid flows at the sub-millimetre scale, and requires the application of engineering, physics and chemistry, to explore unique phenomena at this scale. In this thesis the use of sound waves to produce microfluidic droplets is investigated as a tool for performing complex operations on tiny volumes of fluid. One of the exciting new applications of microfluidics is in situ studies, using x-rays to examine samples in areas such as structural biology and environmental chemistry. Also included in this thesis is the design, fabrication and operation of microfluidic devices for use in these studies.