An isothermal temperature source with a large surface area using the metal-etched microwick-inserted vapor chamber heat spreader

For use of the thermal cycle of the biochemical fluid sample, the isothermal temperature source with a large surface area was designed, fabricated and its thermal characterization was experimentally evaluated. The comprehensive overview of the technology trend on the temperature control devices was detailed. The large surface area isothermal temperature source was realized by using the vapor chamber heat spreader. The cost-effectiveness and simple manufacturing process were achieved by using the metal-etched wick structure. The temperature distribution was quantitatively investigated by using IR temperature imaging system at equivalent temperatures to the PCR thermal cycle. The standard deviation was measured to be within 0.7°C for each temperature cycle. This concludes that the presented isothermal temperature source enables no temperature gradient inside bio-sample fluid. Furthormore it can be applied to the cooling of the electronic devices due to its slimness and low thermal spreading resistance.