Grating coupled leaky waveguide micro channel sensor chips for optical analysis

Injection moulded polymer leaky waveguide devices are described that enable on-chip fluorescence and absorption measurements to be undertaken on-line in micro total analysis systems. Embossed diffractive elements are incorpor ated such that effective in- and out-coupling of light from flow channels i s achieved without the need for prism coupling and index matching solutions . The system is demonstrated using laser and LED sources to obtain fluoresc ence and absorption spectra in the visible region. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scienc e B.V. All rights reserved.