The ability to control multiphase flows is essential for applications such as microvalves,
chemical analyses, microreactors, and multiphase separators. Furthermore, more specific
controls, including the positional navigation control of fluids under steady-state pressures,
will improve the development of these applications. Here, we present a fundamentally new
photothermally induced liquid gating system that allows light-controlled contactless fluid
transport and gas/liquid separations at designated locations, with seconds response times …