FUNDAMENTALS AND APPLICATIONS OF LIGHT CONFINEMENT IN MICROFLUIDIC EMULSIONS

Abstract

This thesis combines light and microfluidic emulsions to (i) advance the understanding and functionality of optofluidic droplet lasers, and (ii) develop a continuous flow photochemistry platform that utilizes multiple scattering to increase photon path lengths and accelerate photocatalysis. The incorporation of dye-based liquid lasers within or around aqueous microfluidic droplets were demonstrated. Lasing behaviours were experimentally and theoretically characterized. Subsequently, FRET-based multicolor lasing within chemically open droplet cavities that allow online modulation of the gain medium composition was developed. The ability to control color switching online within the same droplet cavity enables sequential detection of multiple target molecules. Lastly, a multiple scattering flow reactor scheme that intensifies photochemistry was presented. A ~70 times increment in throughput was achieved by increasing the diameter of the reactor tube from 1 mm to 10 mm, which is extremely challenging for single phase photochemical reactors due to attenuation effects.