Optofluidic variable optical path modulator

Abstract

The optofluidic devices including optofluidic lens, optical switch and liquid prism have found widespread applications in imaging, optical communication and lighting. Here, we report a novel optofluidic device called optofluidic variable optical path modulator. Our proposed modulator consists of two main chambers. The two chambers are connected by two tubes to form a closed-loop fluidic system. Two immiscible liquids are filled into the two chambers and form two L-L interfaces. A transparent sheet is placed between one L-L interface to get flat interface. When a voltage is applied on the device, the flat interface can move up and down. Thus, variable optical path can be obtained by applying a voltage. To prove the concept, we fabricate an optofluidic device whose largest movable distance of L-L interface is ~7.5 mm and the optical path length change is ~1.15 mm. The proposed optofluidic device has potential applications in imaging, adaptive optics, optical detection and so on.