Abstract
A vital element in integrated optofluidics is dynamic tuning and precise control of photonic devices, especially when employing electronic techniques which are challenging to utilize in an aqueous environment. We overcome this challenge by introducing a new platform in which the photonic device is controlled using electro-optical phase tuning. The phase tuning is generated by the thermo-optic effect using an on-chip electric microheater located outside the fluidic channel, and is transmitted to the optofluidic device through optical waveguides. The microheater is compact, high-speed (> 18 kHz), and consumes low power (~mW). We demonstrate dynamic optical trapping control of nanoparticles by an optofluidic resonator. This novel electro-optofluidic platform allows the realization of high throughput optofluidic devices with switching, tuning, and reconfiguration capability, and promises new directions in optofluidics.
Highlights
Integrated optofluidics holds abundant promise for biological and chemical research by miniaturizing complex optical and fluidic functionalities to the micro/nanoscale [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]
Prior work in tuning optofluidic devices [9] has primarily focused on modifying the refractive index of the fluid, either by changing the fluid, or modifying other physical properties to change the fluid properties [9,10,11,12,13,14,15]
While waveguides may be fabricated from a variety of optical materials that have thermo-optic effects, we focused on materials which were compatible with mass manufacturing micro- and nano- fabrication technologies, such as complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology
Summary
Integrated optofluidics holds abundant promise for biological and chemical research by miniaturizing complex optical and fluidic functionalities to the micro/nanoscale [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]. In a prospective optofluidic chip with hundreds of optical devices, the on-chip laser source is preferred to be fixed and, all other optical devices need to be tuned relative to the laser wavelength This requires the realization of compact and power efficient tuning mechanisms. Prior work in tuning optofluidic devices [9] has primarily focused on modifying the refractive index of the fluid, either by changing the fluid, or modifying other physical properties to change the fluid properties [9,10,11,12,13,14,15] Such tuning mechanisms are, by nature, either slow and consume high power, or are too large to integrate into nanophotonic chips. It eliminates heat transfer through the fluid and undesirable temperature changes in the fluid
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
