We review our recent progress in bringing fluorescent correlation spectroscopy (FCS) of single molecules on a silicon
optofluidic platform. Starting from basic concepts and applications of FCS we move to a description of our integrated
optofluidic device, briefly outlining the physics behind its function and relevant geometrical characteristics. We then
derive an FCS theoretical model for our sensor geometry, which we subsequently apply to the examination of molecular
properties of single fluorophores and bioparticles. The model allows us to extract the diffusion coefficient, translational
velocity and local concentration of particles in question. We conclude with future directions of this research.
Recent developments in nanopore analysis of macromolecules and liquid-core optical waveguides have the potential to
allow fabrication of fully planar optofluidic labs-on-a-chip. Nanopores are able to detect single molecules of
biopolymers such as DNA and proteins, and liquid-core antiresonant reflecting optical (ARROW) waveguides also have
this capability. We are developing an instrument that combines the strengths of both approaches which we believe will
lead to a high-performance, low-cost instrument suitable for life detection on planetary surfaces such as Mars and
Europa.
We present integrated antiresonant reflecting optical (ARROW) structures with hollow cores as a new paradigm for optical sensing of gases and liquids. ARROW waveguides with micron-sized hollow cores allow for single-mode propagation in low-index non-solid core materials where conventional index guiding is impossible. We review design, fabrication and optical characterization of these devices for possible applications in chemical sensing, single molecule fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy, flow cytometry, and pollution monitoring of picoliter to nanoliter volumes. We describe how to determine and control the waveguide loss and dispersion of the ARROW waveguides and design optimization for realistic structures that are compatible with the fabrication constraints. The technology to realize hollow-core waveguides using conventional silicon microfabrication and sacrificial core layers is discussed. We present the first demonstration of waveguiding in integrated ARROW waveguides with both hollow and liquid cores. Single-mode propagation with mode areas as small as 6mm2 and volumes down to 15 picoliters is observed and the loss characteristics of the waveguides are determined. The observation of fluorescence from dye molecules with concentrations of 10 nmol/l is described. Higher-level integration towards compact, planar, and massively parallel sensors on a chip is discussed.
Conference Committee Involvement (3)
Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology XIII
3 August 2010 | San Diego, California, United States
Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology XI
12 August 2008 | San Diego, California, United States
Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology X
28 August 2007 | San Diego, California, United States
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