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Reconfigurable Microfluidic Channel with Pin-discretized Sidewalls
Published on: April 12, 2018
Reconfigurable microfluidic photonic crystal slab cavities
Cameron L Smith1, Uwe Bog, Snjezana Tomljenovic-Hanic
1Centre for Ultrahigh-bandwidth Devices for Optical Systems, School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. c.smith@physics.usyd.edu.au
Optics Express
|October 1, 2008
Summary
Researchers reconfigured silicon photonic crystal cavities using microfluidic infiltration. This technique allows for tunable cavity lengths and spectral properties, offering a flexible method for photonic device design.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Materials Science
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Photonic crystal cavities are crucial for controlling light.
- Achieving tunable optical properties in these cavities remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate spectral and spatial reconfigurability of silicon photonic crystal double-heterostructure cavities.
- To investigate the impact of microfluidic infiltration on cavity properties.
Main Methods:
- Microfluidic infiltration of selected air holes in silicon photonic crystal cavities.
- Adjusting infiltrated region to modify cavity lengths.
- Spectral analysis of high Q-factor resonances.
- Fluid removal using toluene for reconfigurability.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated spectral and spatial reconfigurability.
- Achieved high Q-factor resonances across various cavity lengths.
- Showcased fluid removal for complete device reconfigurability.
- Cavity writing technique allows for process tolerances.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidic infiltration offers a flexible and reconfigurable approach for silicon photonic crystal cavities.
- The demonstrated technique enables precise control over cavity length and spectral characteristics.
- This method provides a valuable tool for designing tunable photonic devices.
