Introduction to Optofluidics for LOC Systems

Abstract

Optofluidics, although extremely broad, is a relatively nascent field where light is coupled with fluids predominantly at the micrometre and nanoscale. This creates a range of innovative systems and optical elements which improve, for instance, sensing operations by reducing limits of detection and enhancing detection rates. The integration of discrete optofluidic technologies gives rise to the possibilities of creating all-optical lab-on-a-chip devices capable of delivering compact and inexpensive routes for sample preprocessing, particle manipulation and analysis/detection. In this chapter, readers are introduced to some recent techniques developed for manipulating light at the micrometre scale and the technologies applied to the creation of planar integrated optical waveguides. In addition, advances in optical particle manipulation (nanoscale and microscale) technologies, such as through near-field photonic systems and optoelectrofluidics will be examined and contrasted with the classical far-field optical tweezers developed over three decades ago.