Optofluidic multiplexing and switching device

Abstract

We present a novel optofluidic multiplexing and switching device in which light switching between different fibers via movable droplets in a liquid core waveguide is realized. The Poly-(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-based device uses aqueous droplets in high index oil to create a movable interruption in the waveguide. Light is thus coupled out at the position of said droplet and then back into adjacent optical fibers. Depending on the amount of output fibers included in the design, this system constitutes either a light switch for one output or a multiplexer when multiple output ports are used.