# Summary of IRC Discussion (March 17, 2015)

* Discussion of microfluidics fabrication techniques for DNA synthesis arrays, with detailed exploration of using silicon wafers with photoresist versus SU-8, and the trade-offs between acid etching (allowing variable channel depths) versus direct SU-8 molding (providing uniform depth but less flexibility).

* Participants explored cost-effective approaches to creating photomasks for microfluidics, comparing commercial photomask services ($300+ per mask) versus transparency printing, with consideration of resolution limitations (around 10μm per dot with standard laser printers).

* Carbon3D's novel 3D printing technology was discussed, with participants noting its upcoming Science publication and debating whether its oxygen-based approach truly constitutes "continuous" 3D printing versus traditional layer-by-layer methods.

* A Texas Instruments DLP "LightCrafter" product line was highlighted for potential use in structured light and machine vision applications, featuring UV LED options and impressive 4000 Hz binary pattern rates that could enable 3D scanning at approximately 250Hz.

* Brief discussion of an unusual scientific question about why certain biological compounds share olfactory characteristics with chlorine/bleach, with speculation about receptor specificity and the potential for novel research.