Laser-based refractive index detection for micro-channels.

Laser-based refractive index detection, based upon refractive index changes in micro-channels, is a kind of laser-based optical determination for solutions. As it is capable of label-free determination, it has been regarded as a considerable growth prospect. The key aspect in related researches lay in the development of novel detection configurations, which would possibly result in better sensitivity. Over the past decade, micro-channel laser-based refractive index detection has been significantly improved, resulting in traversed, hologram-based, back-scattered, retro-reflected interference, optical ring resonant, etc., detection configurations. Moreover, laser-based refractive index detection has been combined with other laser-based detection strategies, in order to pursue a universal and sensitive detection. And last but not least, some utilizations of laser-based refractive index detection have been reported, while both advantages and drawbacks exist. In this paper, laser-based refractive index detection for micro-channels will be reviewed in proceeding sequence.