Optofluidic laser scanner based on a rotating liquid prism

• DOI: 10.1364/ao.55.002136
• Publication Date: 2016-03-11T15:31:54Z
• Authors: Daniel Kopp; Lukas Lehmann; Hans Zappe
• Keywords: Prism; Laser Scanning; Beam steering

We demonstrate an electrowetting-actuated optofluidic system based on a rotatable liquid prism implemented as two-dimensional laser scanner. The is fabricated through novel technology using patterned flexible polymeric foil which high density of electrodes structured and subsequently inserted into cylindrical housing. resulting radial electrode array used for electrowetting actuation two fluids filled the cylinder, allows controllable tilt orientation planar interface thus represents tunable rotating prism. Finite element simulations subsequent experimental verification show that this highly precisely positionable liquid/liquid may be actuated to deflection angle ±6.4°, with standard deviation ±0.18°, rotated 360° about vertical axis. Power consumption limited several microwatts, switching times hundred milliseconds were determined.