Integration of microcomponents

Abstract

Various microcomponents, including microelectrodes and micro-optic and microfluidic components, can be fabricated in transparent materials by femtosecond laser direct writing. This chapter describes in detail techniques for integrating different types of microcomponents on a single substrate for constructing highly functional microfluidic, photonic, and optofluidic systems and devices. Several examples are described, including integration of microlenses and waveguides for beam collimation and focusing, integration of a micro-optical ring cavity and a microfluidic chamber for creating 3D microfluidic dye lasers, integration of microelectrodes and waveguide-based Mach–Zehnder interferometer in a lithium niobate (LiNbO3) crystal for constructing an optical modulator, and integration of micro-optic and microfluidic components in glass for optofluidic applications.