Abstract
In this letter, we have experimentally realized a controllable optical pulse-width modulator (PWM) based on an optofluidic switch configuration. The modulating frequency and the duty cycle of this on-chip PWM can be tuned via changing the mass flow rate of the injected fluids into a right angle T-junction. The droplet generation and its relation to PWM parameters are studied experimentally and the functional parameters of the PWM are characterized through a mathematical model. The modulating frequency and the duty cycle of the proposed PWM can be controlled in the range of 7.1-43.7 Hz and 24.1%-70.5%, respectively. This type of PWM is convenient for integration as a complementary optical component into the microfluidic systems.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 7967808 |
Pages (from-to) | 1383-1386 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | IEEE Photonics Technology Letters |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 16 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 15 Aug 2017 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- fluid dynamics
- Microfluidics
- optical modulation
- optical switches
- pulse width modulation