Abstract
We demonstrate how a Y-branched optical waveguide can be used for microparticle sorting. Polystyrene microparticles, optically guided in the waveguide's evanescent field, are directed down the desired, more strongly illuminated, output branch. The output of a fibre laser at a wavelength of 1066 nm is coupled to the waveguide by direct butting. The power distribution between the two output branches is selected by the relative position of the fibre to the waveguide input facet. This provides a simple method for reliable particle sorting with very high probability of success under appropriate conditions. The method can be easily combined with other particle manipulation techniques of interest for micro total analysis systems of the future.
Highlights
Biological and chemical assays and analytical methods may be substantially improved by miniaturization of various components and their subsequent combining into systems
We demonstrate how a Y-branched optical waveguide can be used for microparticle sorting
The power distribution between the two output branches is selected by the relative position of the fibre to the waveguide input facet
Summary
Biological and chemical assays and analytical methods may be substantially improved by miniaturization of various components and their subsequent combining into systems. Mechanical trapping and sorting [4] on a microchip poses challenges because of the complex physical properties of biological cells. Electrical trapping and sorting may employ two different phenomena depending on the particle nature [4]. Optical methods have been proposed to control microfluidic processes and achieve particle sorting. We present a new approach to sorting of microscopic particles using an evanescent field in the cover region of a y-branched channel waveguide. Optical manipulation of particles in the evanescent field of a prism was first experimentally demonstrated in the early 90s [10]. This was followed by the first demonstra-
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