Potomac Adds SU8 Photolithography to Microfabrication Toolbox

Since IBM’s development in 1989 of SU-8 photoresist for use as a key component for high-resolution microelectronics manufacturing, other industries have adopted the photosensitive polymer for a wide range of applications.  Whether fabricating microfluidics, micro pillars and cylinders, tiny gears and cantilevers, or optical waveguides, SU-8’s unique material properties expand the capabilities of miniature products. …

  • Potomac Photonics
  • February 10, 2019

Combining 3D Printing and Laser Micromachining in Microfluidic Device for Vascular Research

Perhaps the greatest benefit to being a graduate student is the opportunity to work with faculty who are conducting innovative research at the forefront of their fields.  Biomedical engineering Ph.D. candidate Christos Michas is doubly fortunate since his area of study at Boston University [BU] combines the micro-scale 3D printing work of physicist Alice White…

  • Potomac Photonics
  • February 6, 2019

2018: A Year of Advanced Manufacturing Innovation at Potomac Photonics

2018 has proven to be yet another great year to be working in manufacturing, especially building micro devices for biotech, microfluidics, cancer research, medical diagnostics, microelectronics, consumer products and more.  Our customers continue to challenge us with problems that push the advanced manufacturing technical envelope.  We especially appreciate these opportunities since we work with so…

  • Potomac Photonics
  • January 4, 2019

Rapid Prototyping Micro Holes in Glass Allows UC Berkeley Researchers to Study Neural Processes in the Brain

  All complex systems are made of fundamental building blocks that underpin basic functions, processes and connections.  The brain’s seemingly infinite ability to carry on a wide range of capabilities from speech to sensory perception is no different:  the nerve cell and the synaptic junction are the elementary units upon which all brain activity is…

  • Potomac Photonics
  • December 3, 2018

Microfluidics: Driving Diverse Applications In A Wide Variety of Industries

Potomac has been at the forefront of microfluidics device manufacturing and most of our customers’ early applications have been strongly centered on medical work, such as cancer research and Point-Of-Care Diagnostics.  A strong example is work being done in Ester Segal’s Lab at the Israel Institute of Technology [Technion] to increase antibiotic susceptibility detection speeds. …

  • Potomac Photonics
  • September 24, 2018

How Industry 4.0 Is Revolutionizing Advanced Manufacturing

For the past few decades, we’ve been living in the Third Industrial Revolution where advanced manufacturing meant production utilizing computers and automation.  CAD-driven machine tools, robots and lasers were the order of the day. In recent years, Industry 4.0 has come on the manufacturing scene.  What does this change mean and how does it impact…

  • Potomac Photonics
  • August 6, 2018

Celebrating American Innovation on the Fourth of July

Back in 1776, colonial America could not survive without the ingenuity of its people to devise the things needed for everyday life.  Supplies were a sea passage away and many of the colonies were rural, requiring long overland deliveries by horse-drawn wagons.  One would expect that people who were willing to venture to a new…

  • Potomac Photonics
  • July 2, 2018

Micro Hole Drilling and Bonding for Microfluidic Device Manufacturing

In the last few years, microfluidics has come into its own as a process and also a micro-manufacturing technology.  The methodology is rapidly changing many diverse fields from Point-of-Care diagnostics to cancer research, environmental studies to Organs-on-a-Chip, drug discovery to micro fuel cells, and much more.  By using a small drop of fluid, microfluidics speeds…

  • Potomac Photonics
  • June 28, 2018

Supporting the Next Generation of Digital Factory Workers

One of the main reasons Potomac relocated to the BWTech@UMBC South Technology Park was to access the talent being cultivated at one of the country’s leading STEM education universities.  While recently grabbing basketball headlines, the University of Maryland Baltimore County is better known for its commitment to training scientists and engineers and we are lucky…

  • Potomac Photonics
  • June 13, 2018

Potomac supports the 828 Movement – The 828 Bracelet ….designed, developed and manufactured in the USA to support schools in the USA.

Nearly one year ago, the fashion brand, 828 Movement, LLC was formed with one mission in mind; assist struggling urban area schools by donating 15% of the product proceeds to benefit education equality in the US. This new line of bracelets was developed to pay tribute to the past efforts for equality, stand by the…

  • Potomac Photonics
  • June 5, 2018