An in-fiber integrated optofluidic device based on an optical fiber with an inner core

Abstract

A new kind of optofluidic in-fiber integrated device based on a specially designed hollow optical fiber with an inner core is designed. The inlets and outlets are built by etching the surface of the optical fiber without damaging the inner core. A reaction region between the end of the fiber and a solid point obtained after melting is constructed. By injecting samples into the fiber, the liquids can form steady microflows and react in the region. Simultaneously, the emission from the chemiluminescence reaction can be detected from the remote end of the optical fiber through evanescent field coupling. The concentration of ascorbic acid (AA or vitamin C, Vc) is determined by the emission intensity of the reaction of Vc, H₂O₂, luminol, and K₃Fe(CN)₆ in the optical fiber. A linear sensing range of 0.1–3.0 mmol L⁻¹ for Vc is obtained. The emission intensity can be determined within 2 s at a total flow rate of 150 μL min⁻¹. Significantly, this work presents information for the in-fiber integrated optofluidic devices without spatial optical coupling.