A microfluidic optical beam steerer

This paper reports the fabrication and characterization of a prototype microfluidic device that can act as a periodic beam steerer. The prototype is formed by a simple T-junction followed by a serpentine channel that allows generation of a periodical segmented flow of air and water bubbles. If light hits the channel wall with a suitable angle, it can be either transmitted or reflected by the segmented flow, giving rise to an alternating beam steerer. The duty cycle, switching frequency, and overall stability and reproducibility of this prototype system are presented and discussed.