Labs on Chip

11	Optical Detection

11.1  INTRODUCTION

In this chapter we analyze the optical detection techniques, while techniques generating an electronic detection signal are reviewed in Chapter 10.

Optical detection systems can be divided into free optics and integrated optical systems. Free optical techniques use free propagation optics to test the optical response of the target inside a detection chamber of the lab on chip. In this case, a transparent window is generally created on the surface of the lab on chip and it is inserted into an external device integrating one or more optical sources, generally lasers, and one or more optical detectors. The sources illuminate the sample inside the lab on chip and the detectors collect the output light and ...