Illumination and Scattered Light Detection of a Minute Particle Using a Light Source Consisting of Sub-Micrometer Defect Arrays Formed on an Extremely Flat Light Waveguide Core

Abstract

A minute optical sensor combined total analysis system (TAS) is thought to be one of the most powerful functional elements needed to realize a “ubiquitous human healthcare” system. In accordance with this concept, we have proposed a fundamental structure of detecting forward and side scattered light from a small cell or particle illuminating laser power through light waveguide formed in a thin resin layer. Based on this concept, we have demonstrated its effectiveness by using a trial-manufactured optical TAS chip, supplying and detecting visible laser power by using multiple optical fibers. Acquiring further various physiological properties created by an internal structure of a particles or cells, it is necessary to illuminate them with a small and arbitrarily-shaped light source placed close vicinity to them.