Title :
Optofluidic variable optical attenuator
Author :
Ranjini, Radhakrishnan ; Adiyodi, Amrutha K. ; Matham, Murukeshan Vadakke ; Nam-Trung, Nguyen
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Mech. & Aerosp. Eng., Nanyang Technol. Univ., Singapore, Singapore
Abstract :
A variable optical attenuator was designed and fabricated based on optofluidic technology. Desired optical attenuation was achieved due to the refractive index modulation of the fluid. Here fluid used is a nematic liquid crystal which possesses high molecular order together with fluidity. The methodology adopted is to change the molecular alignment of the fluid by allowing it to flow in a rectangular channel with suitable flow rate. The effect of absorption and scattering from the liquid is also demonstrated for the selected wavelength.
Keywords :
light absorption; light scattering; micro-optomechanical devices; microfluidics; molecular orientation; nematic liquid crystals; optical attenuators; optical design techniques; optical fabrication; optical materials; refractive index; molecular alignment; molecular order; nematic liquid crystal; optical absorption; optical attenuation; optical scattering; optofluidic variable optical attenuator; refractive index modulation; Attenuation; Distributed feedback devices; Fabrication; Glass; Liquid crystals; Optical attenuators; Refractive index;
Conference_Titel :
Photonics Global Conference (PGC), 2010
Conference_Location :
Singapore
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-9882-6
DOI :
10.1109/PGC.2010.5706041
