Optical devices with fluidic systems
US7027683B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 11, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3574
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Fluidic systems, including microfluidic systems, are used to manipulate light by light-fluid interaction so as to affect reflection, refraction, absorption, optical filtering, or scattering of the beam. One or more fluids may be provided to a channel or chamber and exposed to an incident beam, and the proportion of at least one of a plurality of fluids may be varied. Light may interact with a discrete fluid plug subject to movement within a channel. One or more flexible members may be employed, such as to provide a variable lens. Fluidic optical devices may be used in applications including optical switching, optical filtering, or optical processing. Multiplexed fluidic optical systems are further provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.