Miniature viscometer incorporating GaN optical devices with an ultrawide measurement range

Abstract

<p>The measurement and assessment of fluid viscosity, which make it possible to determine fluid flow properties, are critical in the oil, food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. Herein, a novel design of a viscometer based on the integration of a chip-scale GaN optical device with a bendable strip is reported. The developed viscometer can measure fluid viscosity over an ultrawide range of 10⁰–10⁶ mPa∙s. This work also demonstrates the remarkable features of fast measurement, high stability, and real-time monitoring capability, which prove its potential as a new generation of viscosity-measuring units in various practical applications.<br></p>