Abstract

Hollow-core photonic crystal fiber (HC-PCF) with all its hollow channels (core and cladding holes) liquid-filled can support photonic band gap guidance of a single mode [1]. Recently we have demonstrated that such liquid-filled HC-PCFs can be used to guide and propel micro-spheres over long (10s of cms) and flexible pathways [2]. The speed of optically-guided particles depends on the balance between optical and fluidic drag forces, as well as on the purity of the waveguide mode. To investigate in more detail these forces, accurate and precise knowledge of particle speed and position is necessary.

© 2011 IEEE