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Published on: May 25, 2016
Flowing lattices of bubbles as tunable, self-assembled diffraction gratings
Michinao Hashimoto1, Brian Mayers, Piotr Garstecki
1Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford St., Cambridge, MA, USA.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|December 29, 2006
Summary
Researchers developed tunable, fluidic, two-dimensional diffraction gratings using microfluidic bubble lattices. These stable gratings offer rapid tuning of optical properties for potential photonic applications.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Optics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Diffraction gratings are essential optical components.
- Existing gratings often lack tunability or require complex fabrication.
- Microfluidic systems offer precise control over fluid behavior and structure formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate tunable, fluidic, two-dimensional diffraction gratings.
- To utilize dynamic self-assembly of bubbles in a microfluidic platform.
- To achieve rapid and stable tuning of grating properties.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a microfluidic device with a flow-focusing bubble generator.
- Formation of regular bubble lattices via dynamic self-assembly.
- Tuning lattice structure by adjusting flow pressures and rates.
Main Results:
- Achieved tunable pitch ranges from 12 to 51 micrometers.
- Demonstrated switching times of less than ten seconds.
- Observed high grating stability over hours of operation.
- Corresponded first-order diffraction angles from 3.2 to 0.7 degrees for 632 nm light.
Conclusions:
- Fluidic, bubble-based diffraction gratings are feasible and tunable.
- Microfluidic control allows for rapid adjustment of optical properties.
- These gratings offer a stable and adaptable platform for optical applications.
