Open AccessLight induced fluidic waveguide coupling
Author(s) -
Volker Zagolla,
Eric J. Tremblay,
Christophe Moser
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.20.00a924
Subject(s) - waveguide , optics , materials science , planar , coupling (piping) , total internal reflection , infrared , optoelectronics , reflection (computer programming) , fluidics , lens (geology) , physics , computer graphics (images) , computer science , metallurgy , programming language , engineering , aerospace engineering
We report on the development of an opto-fluidic waveguide coupling mechanism for planar solar concentration. This mechanism is self-adaptive and light-responsive to efficiently maintain waveguide coupling and concentration independent of incoming light's direction. Vapor bubbles are generated inside a planar, liquid waveguide using infrared light on an infrared absorbing glass. Visible light focused onto the bubble is then reflected by total internal reflection (TIR) at the liquid-gas interface and coupled into the waveguide. Vapor bubbles inside the liquid are trapped by a thermal effect and are shown to self-track the location of the infrared focus. Experimentally we show an optical to optical waveguide coupling efficiency of 40% using laser light through a single commercial lens. Optical simulations indicate that coupling efficiency > 90% is possible with custom optics.