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Optofluidic waveguide as a transformation optics device for lightwave bending and manipulation
1School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore.
Nature Communications
|February 17, 2012
Summary
Liquid flow in optofluidic waveguides offers controllable transformation optics. This novel medium enables unique wave-focusing and interference phenomena, distinct from solid waveguides.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Fluid Dynamics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Transformation optics engineers electromagnetic space using materials with variable parameters.
- Conventional transformation optics often relies on static, engineered materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze liquid flow in optofluidic waveguides as a controllable transformation optics medium.
- To investigate novel wave-phenomena arising from spatially variable dielectric properties in liquid flows.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of laminar liquid flow within an optofluidic channel.
- Theoretical investigation of electromagnetic wave propagation and interaction with the flowing liquid.
Main Results:
- Laminar liquid flow exhibits spatially variable dielectric properties.
- Observed novel wave-focusing and interference phenomena.
- These phenomena differ distinctly from discrete diffraction in solid waveguide arrays.
Conclusions:
- Optofluidic waveguides with liquid flow represent a new class of controllable transformation optics media.
- The unique optical properties of these systems offer potential for new device applications.
