Two challenging issues in biological testing are devices’ portability and to using as little sample as possible. With this framework in mind, lab-on-a-chip devices play a major role, as they aim to integrate most of the facilities of a biology or chemistry laboratory in just a few millimeters device. They are basically made of micrometer size channels, where samples are separated, selected and mixed, and they also integrate some kind of testing system to analyze them. Optofluidic devices are a particular type of lab-on-a-chip device where light is used to test and handle samples. The use of light to analyze biological samples is widely spread as it is fast, highly accurate and, in some particular cases, allows for the analysis of samples after undergoing some pre-treatment  which might change its properties.

Among the several technologies used to build optofluidic devices micromachining with femtosecond lasers is quite promising, as it allows to produce both the micrometer channels for fluid sample travelling and the optical networks needed for analysis. Thanks to its unique 3D capabilities, the channels can be integrated with the optical networks using the same laser. Although this technology is not suitable for mass-producing labs-on-a-chip, it is quite interesting in the fast prototyping of new devices  as you have an idea and you can make and test your device in a few hours. If you are satisfied with the outcome, you can then think about mass producing the device using a different technique, such as photolithography.

3D rendering of the monolithic optical stretcher fabricated by femtosecond laser micromachining. The cells flowing in the microchannel are trapped and stretched in correspondence of the dual beam trap created by the optical waveguides. Connections to capillaries and optical fibers are also shown. Credit: OSA

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