Graphene oxide-deposited microfiber: a new photothermal device for various microbubble generation

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Nanomaterials Science
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Graphene oxide nanosheets (GONs) exhibit significant photothermal properties.
• Optical fiber systems are increasingly used for microscale manipulation.
• Microbubble generation is crucial for various microfluidic and sensing applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the use of GONs' photothermal effect for microbubble generation in an optical microfiber system.
• To investigate the mechanism of GONs assembly onto the microfiber.
• To explore potential applications of this system.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the photothermal effect of GONs within an optical microfiber.
• Employing a low-power continuous-wave laser at 1527-1566 nm to heat GONs-deposited microfiber.
• Analyzing the forces (thermal convection and optical gradient) driving GONs assembly.

Main Results:

• Successful generation of various microbubbles using the photothermal effect of GONs.
• GONs deposition on the microfiber acted as a linear heat source.
• Demonstrated assembly of GONs via thermal convection and optical gradient forces.

Conclusions:

• The optical fiber system effectively utilizes the photothermal effect of GONs for microbubble production.
• The system shows promise for assembling micro/nanoscale particles and biomolecules.
• Potential applications include sensing, microfluidics, virus detection, and biochip technologies.