Abstract
In the recent past, the field of optofluidics has thrived from the immense efforts of researchers from diverse communities. The concept of optofluidics combines optics and microfluidics to exploit novel properties and functionalities. In the very beginning, the unique properties of liquid, such as mobility, fungibility and deformability, initiated the motivation to develop optical elements or functions using fluid interfaces. Later on, the advancements of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) and microfluidic technologies enabled the realization of optofluidic components through the precise manipulation of fluids at microscale thus making it possible to streamline complex fabrication processes. The optofluidic system aims to fully integrate optical functions on a single chip instead of using external bulky optics, which can consequently lower the cost of system, downsize the system and make it promising for point-of-care diagnosis. This perspective gives an overview of the recent developments in the field of optofluidics. Firstly, the fundamental optofluidic components will be discussed and are categorized according to their basic working mechanisms, followed by the discussions on the functional instrumentations of the optofluidic components, as well as the current commercialization aspects of optofluidics. The paper concludes with the critical challenges that might hamper the transformation of optofluidic technologies from lab-based procedures to practical usages and commercialization.
Highlights
Figure liquid core waveguide which can be by replacing the liquid the hollow channel; (b) lens configured by two miscible fluids; and (c) an acoustics-driven (b) an optofluidic Gradientcontrolled refractive through index (GRIN) lens configured by two miscible fluids; and (c) an acoustics-driven gradient gradient refractive refractive index lens.index lens
This paper gives an overview of the developments of fundamental optical elements using fluid referred as optofluidic components
Driven by the demands of lab-on-chip applications, many efforts have been devoted to realize the integration of optofluidic components into microfluidic systems
Summary
Optofluidics is referred to as the sciences and technologies which explore novel functions and the related physics through the marriage between light and fluid [1]. The advancements of MEMS technologies have enabled performance or function of the optical cavity; (2) refractive index (RI) gradients can be created by the the fabrication of microfluidic architectures with precisions down to nanoscale, including the fluid control of diffusion between two miscible fluids; (3) an optically smooth interface can be formed transfer in microchannels, the integrated mechatronic fluid control/monitoring units and fluid between two immiscible liquids; and (4) light and sample can transfer along the same channel which pumping/recycling sub-systems. Can beofcreated by [12,13], the control of diffusion on-chip [11],(2)on-chip treatment andgradients manipulation bio-cells point-of-care between two miscible fluids; (3) an optically smooth interface can be formed between two immiscible liquids; and (4) light and sample can transfer along the same channel which allows long light–matter interaction length These novel properties show promise to equip adaptive optical systems with more flexibilities and functionalities. Look into the commercialization aspect of optofluidics and envision its future
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