A reconfigurable optofluidic Michelson interferometer using tunable droplet grating

Area of Science:

• Optofluidics
• Interferometry
• Microfluidics
• Biomedical Sensing

Background:

• Traditional interferometers lack real-time tunability and sensitivity for certain applications.
• Droplet microfluidics offers precise control over fluid interfaces and optical properties.
• Refractive index sensing is crucial for analyzing biochemical and biomedical solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel optofluidic Michelson interferometer utilizing droplet microfluidics.
• To demonstrate real-time tunability of a droplet grating's period and refractive index.
• To assess the device's sensitivity and detection range for buffer solutions.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a droplet grating within a microchannel using droplet microfluidics.
• Integration of the droplet grating into a Michelson interferometer setup.
• Real-time adjustment of grating period via flow rate control and refractive index via liquid selection.

Main Results:

• Achieved a highly sensitive optofluidic Michelson interferometer.
• Demonstrated real-time tunability of the droplet grating's period and refractive index.
• Obtained a sensitivity of 66.7 nm/RIU and a detection range of 0.086 RIU.

Conclusions:

• The novel optofluidic Michelson interferometer provides a tunable and sensitive platform for refractive index measurements.
• The device is well-suited for real-time analysis of biomedical and biochemical buffer solutions.
• Droplet microfluidics integration enables precise control over optical grating properties.