Integrated optofluidic index sensor based on self-trapped beams in LiNbO3

Abstract

We show that self-trapped beams can form in structured monolithic lithium niobate chips. In particular, they are observed to be unaffected when crossing few hundred microns wide gaps. The technique is employed to fabricate an index sensor constituted of a buried circular optical waveguide crossing a fluidic channel in a lithium niobate substrate. Fluidic channels are realized by precision dicing while the optical waveguides are induced by photorefractive beam self-trapping controlled by the pyroelectric effect. The self-aligning property of this latter waveguides provides a simple fabrication technique of an integrated sensor that accurately measures the refractive index of transparent liquids.