Fabrication of lenses with high light-collecting ability using water molds

Shih Hui Chao, Robert Carlson, Deirdre R. Meldrum

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

A small water droplet on a computer monitor screen enables us to see the detail of a single pixel. Such droplets are almost perfectly spherical, ideal as optical lenses. We developed a novel fabrication method that uses water droplets as molds to make small, highly spherical lenses. Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) spherical lenses have been made for demonstration: When uncured PDMS encapsulates water droplets and then solidifies, the cavities occupied by water become concave lenses or as a mold to make convex lenses. The light-collecting ability of these lenses is 6.25 times better than those made using traditional methods, while the cost is much lower. These lenses can be easily integrated with lab-on-a-chip devices for optical manipulation and/or detection.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 5th International Conference on Nanochannels, Microchannels and Minichannels, ICNMM2007
Pages809-812
Number of pages4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007
Event5th International Conference on Nanochannels, Microchannels and Minichannels, ICNMM2007 - Puebla, Mexico
Duration: Jun 18 2007Jun 20 2007

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 5th International Conference on Nanochannels, Microchannels and Minichannels, ICNMM2007

Other

Other5th International Conference on Nanochannels, Microchannels and Minichannels, ICNMM2007
Country/TerritoryMexico
CityPuebla
Period6/18/076/20/07

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • General Physics and Astronomy

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