Micro-Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV): Recent developments, applications, and guidelines

In this review we discuss the state of the art of the optical whole-field velocity measurement technique micro-scale Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). PIV is a useful tool for fundamental research of microfluidics as well as for the detailed characterization and optimization of microfluidic applications in life science, lab-on-a-chip, biomedical research, micro chemical engineering, analytical chemistry and other related fields of research. An in depth description of the PIV method is presented and compared to other flow visualization and measurement methods. An overview of the most relevant applications is given on the topics of near-wall flow, electrokinetic flow, biological flow, mixing, two-phase flow, turbulence transition and complex fluid dynamic problems. Current trends and applications are critically reviewed. Guidelines for the implementation and application are also discussed. © 2009 The Royal Society of Chemistry.