Monolithic Integration of Microfluidics and Optoelectronics for Biological Analysis
Abstract
We have integrated microfluidic structures with optoelectronic lasers in the same device. Very sensitive and ultra-small laser sensors could be connected to fluidic systems by using microfluidic multiplexing technology and replication molded microfluidic chips. The basis of our sensor is a two-dimensional photonic crystal laser with an unusual cavity geometry that permits the introduction of analyte into the highest optical field region. This photonic crystal laser sensor can measure parts per million changes in the refractive index in volumes of several femtoliters, and is the home run" we were looking for. We have used our microfluidic systems to perform a large number of analytical tasks, such as cell sorting, protein synthesis and even polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of DNA. The photonc crystal laser sensors were also tested in different solutions, and their performance was calibrated by using standard index matching fluids, showing a linear response of the lasing frequency with changes in the refractive index. The fluidic delivery system together with the napo-spectroscopy tools developed in this program led to the possibility of interrogating and testing of picoliter volumes of solution with femtoliter sensitivity on compact and robust micro-chips.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 15, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA427520
Entities
People
- Axel Scherer
- Stephen Quake
Organizations
- California Institute of Technology