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A Microfluidic-based Hydrodynamic Trap for Single Particles
Published on: January 21, 2011
Optofluidic particle concentration by a long-range dual-beam trap
S Kühn1, E J Lunt, B S Phillips
1School of Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA.
Optics Letters
|August 4, 2009
Summary
This study demonstrates an optofluidic chip that enhances particle detection sensitivity. It combines single-fluorophore detection with an optical trap to concentrate particles, improving detection limits.
Area of Science:
- Optofluidics
- Nanoparticle detection
- Optical trapping
Background:
- Ultrahigh sensitivity detection requires identifying particles at very low concentrations.
- Current methods include single-fluorophore detection and particle concentration.
- Combining these approaches can further enhance detection sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel optofluidic chip for ultrahigh sensitivity particle detection.
- To integrate single-particle detection with particle concentration on a single chip.
- To utilize counterpropagating liquid-core waveguide modes for optical trapping and concentration.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a planar optofluidic chip.
- Generation of counterpropagating liquid-core waveguide modes.
- Formation of a loss-based optical trap for particle concentration.
- Integration with single-fluorophore detection.
Main Results:
- Achieved particle concentration exceeding 2 orders of magnitude.
- Demonstrated a convenient, nondispersive method for transporting particle ensembles.
- Successfully combined optical concentration with sensitive detection.
Conclusions:
- The developed optofluidic chip enables ultrahigh sensitivity particle detection.
- The all-optical concentrator significantly enhances particle concentration and facilitates transport.
- This integrated approach offers a powerful platform for various sensing applications.
