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Figure 1. Optofluidic system composed of: (A) microfluidic valve network, (B) microfluidic channels, (C) photonic bandgap structure, and (D) optical beams.
Overview (pdf
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Optofluidics refers to a class of adaptive optical circuits that integrate optical and fluidic devices. The introduction of liquids in the optical structure enables flexible fine-tuning and even reconfiguration of circuits such that they may perform tasks optimally in a changing environment.
A schematic diagram that summarizes our approach is shown above, where a nanostructured optical substrate is integrated with a microfluidic structure that performs functions such as reconfiguration of functionality, adaptation of properties, distribution of chemicals to be analyzed, and temperature stabilization.
Optics is used in a broad spectrum of military and civilian applications for imaging, spectroscopy, communications, sensing, and displays. In modern military applications where autonomous systems are becoming increasingly important, it is critical to reconfigure the system in response to its changing environment. Current optical systems are not nearly as flexible as electronic systems, which can be arbitrarily reprogrammed to perform different tasks
Our research partnership–which brings together colleagues from Caltech, Harvard, Stanford, and UC San Diego–will lay the foundations in this emerging technology. Optofluidic devices will ultimately lead to powerful new tools for a broad range of applications in information processing and sensors. |
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