Optofluidics based on liquid crystal microflows

A. E. Vasdekis; J. G. Cuennet; L. De Sio; D. Psaltis

doi:10.1117/12.893277

7 September 2011 Optofluidics based on liquid crystal microflows

A. E. Vasdekis, J. G. Cuennet, L. De Sio, D. Psaltis

Proceedings Volume 8114, Liquid Crystals XV; 81140K (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.893277
Event: SPIE Photonic Devices + Applications, 2011, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

By replacing common buffers with anisotropic liquids in microfluidics, an enhanced range of optofluidic functionalities is enabled. Such an anisotropic liquid is nematic liquid crystals (NLC), which exhibits optical properties that can be tuned by optical, electrical or mechanical fields, such as flow. We demonstrate an optofluidic modulator based on direct flow of nematic liquid crystals in microfluidic channels. We discuss this optofluidic paradigm both under steady state conditions, and under flow. Rapid pulsatile flows are detrimental towards more compact and ultra-fast devices. These were enabled via peristaltic pumps, demonstrating liquid crystal modulators operating above the limit of 3 kHz. We discuss the latter results, but also assess the feasibility of performing ultra-fast optics and additional functionalities for on- and off-chip imaging.

Citation Download Citation

A. E. Vasdekis, J. G. Cuennet, L. De Sio, and D. Psaltis "Optofluidics based on liquid crystal microflows", Proc. SPIE 8114, Liquid Crystals XV, 81140K (7 September 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.893277

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