A platform for lab and industrial scale replication of phase optics and microfluidics

摘要

A platform for lab-scale replication of phase optics and microfluidics is presented in this paper. The platform is based on the use of a rotational micro-moulding technique using light-curable polymers as the media for holding the phase optics or microfluidics. As the moulding technique essentially can be repeated in sequential steps, the method can be used for more complex combinations of micro- and nanostructures than a simple moulding process would permit. Furthermore, the use of light-curable polymers makes it possible to use materials with a refractive index ranging from 1.4 to 1.6 allowing for precise control of the phase shift in the replicated optical components. The use of light-curable polymers also paves the way for subsequent modification of the surface chemistry e.g. the replicated microfluidic structure. Such a modality is high desirable in the making of e.g. lab-on-a-chip system. The paper will address on how to use the technology on lab-scale but also how it can be scaled to high-volume production if needed.