Droplet-Based Optofluidic Switch as a Controllable Optical Pulse-Width Modulator

摘要

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.