Microfluidic flowmeter based on liquid crystal filled nested capillary

Zhe Wang, Zhuochen Wang, Anuradha Rout, Qiang Wu, Yuliya Semenova

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

A novel flowmeter composed of a liquid crystal-filled nested capillary is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Whispering gallery modes (WGMs) in the nested capillary are excited by a tapered fiber coupled perpendicularly to the nested capillary. The WGM transmission spectrum of the fiber taper was optimized to achieve the highest possible quality (Q) factor by moving the capillary along the axis of the fiber taper. The air flowing through the capillary cools it down, which leads to a temperature-induced change of the refractive index of the nematic liquid crystal. This change in turn leads to a spectral shift of the WGM resonances, which can be linked to the airflow speed in capillary. A sensitivity of 0.242 nm/sccm has been demonstrated in our experiment. The proposed sensor provides a new platform for WGM flowmeters and offers the advantages of high sensitivity and miniature size.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEuropean Workshop on Optical Fibre Sensors, EWOFS 2023
EditorsMarc Wuilpart, Christophe Caucheteur
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510665002
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Event2023 European Workshop on Optical Fibre Sensors, EWOFS 2023 - Mons, Belgium
Duration: 23 May 202326 May 2023

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume12643
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

Conference2023 European Workshop on Optical Fibre Sensors, EWOFS 2023
Country/TerritoryBelgium
CityMons
Period23/05/2326/05/23

Keywords

  • Whispering gallery modes
  • capillary resonator
  • flowmeter
  • liquid crystal

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Microfluidic flowmeter based on liquid crystal filled nested capillary'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this