Hollow waveguides and micro-cavities for optofluidics

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The proposed research lies at the increasingly important intersection between integrated optics, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), and microfluidics. Our long-term aim is to demonstrate complex `optofluidic systems on a chip' by targeting close integration of optical devices (e.g. waveguides, resonant cavities), electromechanical elements (e.g. electrical and magnetic control structures), and microfluidic or atom delivery channels and reservoirs. ***Underpinning the proposal is our previous development of a novel MEMS-like, buckling self-assembly process, which enables us to fabricate low-defect, air-core structures on a silicon-based chip. These air-core networks can encompass microfluidic channels, low-loss optical waveguides, spectral dispersion elements, and high quality micro-cavities. ***Building on this, our main objective is to develop arrays of air-core optical micro-cavities, monolithically integrated with hollow waveguides and microfluidic delivery mechanisms. Open-access optical micro-cavities of this kind can be infiltrated with liquids, gases, or atoms, and have great potential to address key needs within both the optical sensing and information processing fields: ***i. Optical sensing in lab-on-a-chip systems - Close integration of microfluidics with optical detection devices (micro-cavities, micro-spectrometers, etc.) is widely sought. The ultimate goal is the realization of powerful, low-cost, portable, and widely distributed sensing and analysis devices. The proposed work has strong potential to enable progress in this regard, and could have implications for the health, energy, and environmental monitoring sectors. ***ii. Quantum information processing - Quantum networks are expected to enable great advances in computing and secure communications, and will also yield insights into the fundamental nature of quantum mechanics. Interaction of atoms and light within optical resonant cavities, sometimes termed cavity quantum electrodynamics (CQED), is considered a leading candidate technology to achieve these goals. To date, there is no practical approach to the implementation of large arrays of high-finesse, open-access micro-cavities on a chip. The proposed work has strong potential to address this need. ***In summary, we will develop new optical integration technologies, and will apply these technologies to applications in sensing and information science. *****