Conventional lenses used with biochip face a problem in terms of flexibility. The best example can be that of an endoscope operator for whom the lens adjustment can be very complicating at times as precision is of prime importance in is case. Supported by the National Science Foundation, a team of engineers from the Penn State have succeeded in developing L-GRIN (Liquid-Gradient Refractive Index) that function as tunable fluidic micro lenses which can direct light at will in cases where molecules need to be evaluated or cell count needs to be determined. The ease with which these lenses can vary their focal length while maintaining their original position is also a big advantage. At this state of development, the team is looking for alternatives that could be used as a fluid, water and a calcium chloride solution being one. It is the optical properties that determine the choice of the fluid and the better the option the lesser the complications with the refractive index. They could also use a variety of commercially available refractive index fluids.
Via: PSU
