Grating coupled leaky waveguide micro channel sensor chips for optical analysis

Injection moulded polymer leaky waveguide devices are described that enable on-chip fluorescence and absorption measurements to be undertaken on-line in micro total analysis systems. Embossed diffractive elements are incorporated such that effective in- and out-coupling of light from flow channels is achieved without the need for prism coupling and index matching solutions. The system is demonstrated using laser and LED sources to obtain fluorescence and absorption spectra in the visible region.