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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
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Fabrication and Characterization of Disordered Polymer Optical Fibers for Transverse Anderson Localization of Light
Published on: July 29, 2013
Fiber-free coupling between bulk laser beams and on-chip polymer-based multimode waveguides.
Thomas G Jensen1, Lars B Nielsen, Jörg P Kutter
1DTU Nanotech, Department of Micro and Nanotechnology, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Lyngby, Denmark.
Electrophoresis
|April 19, 2011
Summary
This study presents a new optical setup for microfluidic devices, enabling efficient light coupling and chip swapping in seconds. The system facilitates on-chip flow cytometry for detecting particles as small as 1 micrometer.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Microfluidics
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Microfluidic devices require precise optical alignment for light coupling.
- Existing alignment methods can be time-consuming and complex.
- Integration of optics with microfluidics is crucial for advanced applications like flow cytometry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and demonstrate a virtually alignment-free optical setup for microfluidic applications.
- To enable efficient light coupling into and out of on-chip waveguides.
- To develop a robust and rapid chip-swapping mechanism for optical systems.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a combination of inexpensive external lenses and on-chip lenses (glass/SU-8/PDMS).
- Implemented a pin-aided alignment system for quick chip exchange.
- Integrated the optical setup with microfluidics to create an on-chip flow cytometer.
Main Results:
- Achieved efficient light coupling, retrieving up to 20% of source light after on-chip waveguides.
- Demonstrated rapid chip replacement with a standard deviation of ~2% in transmitted power.
- Enabled detection and counting of 1 μm polystyrene particles at 100 Hz using the integrated flow cytometer.
Conclusions:
- The developed optical setup significantly simplifies alignment for microfluidic applications.
- The system offers high optical efficiency and rapid chip interchangeability.
- The integrated on-chip flow cytometer demonstrates potential for high-throughput particle analysis.
