Broadcasting photonic lab on a chip concept through a low cost manufacturing approach

A low cost fabrication process for photonic lab on a chip systems is here proposed. For the implementation of the masters suitable for cast molding fabrication, an inexpensive dry film photoresist, patternable using standard laboratory equipment, is benchmarked against standardized SU-8 masters obtained using UV lithography and systems manufacture in clean room facilities. Results show adequate system fabrication and a comparable performance of the photonic structures for absorbance/extinction measurements. [Display omitted] •A low cost fabrication method for photonic lab on a chip structures is proposeod.•The method provides a 10 fold reduction on fabrication costs associated to materials.•Ultra-fast prototyping is achieved in minutes, from design to final structure.•A good performance of the photonic elements for analytical purposes is demonstrated.