Optical devices based on fluidic controlled two-mode interference

We present a design study on optical devices based on fluidic controlled tw o-mode interference in an optical waveguide intersected by a fluid channel. Presence of one or another liquid in the waveguide determines the state of the device. For switch applications our studies indicate achievable cross- talk values of better than -20 dB at switching times in the millisecond reg ime, whereas fluidic motion can be achieved by various means. Other applica tions include optical phase and absorption sensing in micro-chemical analys is systems.