Micro-fluid reactor with in-plane micro-lenses

US10682622B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Board of Trustees of the Univeristy of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in Huntsville · US

Inventors

• William Randall Gaillard · Madison, US
• John D. Williams · West Chicago, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 3, 2017
• Grant date: Jun 16, 2020
• Expiry date: Nov 10, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B6/264
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A micro-fluidic reactor may comprise a photosensitive glass substrate with a plurality of features produced by etching. The features may include micro-channels, micro-lenses, and slots for receiving optical fibers. During operation of the micro-fluidic reactor, the optical fibers may transmit optical signals for measuring characteristics of fluid reagents and reactions taking place. The micro-lenses may focus optical signals from the optical fibers to create an approximately collimated optical path for the optical signals, reducing optical spread and enhancing fiber-to-fiber optical power coupling.