Abstract
In this chapter the developments made in femtosecond laser micromachining for applications in the fields of optofluidics and lab-on-a-chip devices are reviewed. This technology can be applied to a wide range of materials (glasses, crystals, polymers) and relies on a non-linear absorption process that leads to a permanent alteration of the material structure. This modification can induce, for instance, a smooth variation of the refractive index or generate etching selectivity, which can be used to form integrated optical circuits and microfluidic systems, respectively. Unlike conventional techniques, fs-laser micromachining offers a way to produce high-resolution three-dimensional components and integrate them in a monolithic approach. Recent advances made in two-photon polymerization have also enabled combination of polymeric structures with microfluidic channels, which can provide additional functionalities, such as fluid transport control. In particular, here it is emphasised the integration ofmicrofluidic systems with optical layers and polymeric structures for the fabrication of miniaturized hybrid devices for chemical synthesis and biosensing.

Abstract
The fabrication of optical waveguides with femtosecond laser direct writing is reported in two materials, Suprasil1 and Eagle2000. The influence of typical fabrication parameters, such as pulse energy and scan velocity, on the waveguide's spectral characteristics is explored from 500 to 1700 nm. Tests conducted in Suprasil1 evidence a strong presence of Rayleigh scattering, hindering the production of low-loss waveguides at short wavelengths. On the other hand, optical waveguides fabricated in Eagle2000 exhibited lower insertion losses at short wavelengths, enabling the fabrication of low-loss broadband optical waveguides with a two order of magnitude higher scan velocity when compared with Suprasil1.

Abstract
A Fabry-Perot interferometer was fabricated inside a fused silica substrate through femtosecond laser micromachining. The influence of the waveguide's writing parameters on the measured signal's quality was studied for an interferometer with a 27-mu m wide cavity. Optimal signal-to-noise ratio and fringe visibility were obtained for waveguides written at 75 nJ and 50 mu m/s. The same device was characterized with different refractive index liquids, and a maximum sensitivity of 1181.4 +/- 23.6 nm/RIU was obtained in the index range of 1.2962 to 1.3828 (at 1550 nm) for the spectral order m = 46.

Abstract
Optical waveguides were fabricated in alkaline earth boro-aluminosilicate glass, by femtosecond laser direct writing, with varying pulse energy and scan velocity. A spectral characterization, from 500 nm to 1700 nm, was made in order to determine their losses and understand its dependence on the processing parameters. Three major loss mechanisms were identified. At longer wavelengths, loss is mainly due to weak coupling. On the other hand, the behavior at shorter wavelengths is governed by propagation loss due to Rayleigh scattering, which was shown to be practically eliminated (& x003C; 0.05 dB $\cdot$ cm $<^>{-1} {\cdot }\,\,\mu \text{m}<^>{4}$ ) at higher scan velocities. Bulk absorption was also found to have an influence in the propagation losses at higher wavelengths. The combination of intermediate pulse energies (between 125-250 nJ) and high scan velocities (above 6 cm/s) allowed the fabrication of optical waveguides offering low losses across the entire range of wavelengths tested, facilitating applications that require larger wavelength working bands. Furthermore, since optimal fabrication conditions are achieved at higher scanning velocities, mass production with reduced fabrication times can be achieved.

Abstract
This article presents a review of the numerical techniques employed in simulating plasmonic optical sensors based on metal-dielectric nanostructures, including examples, ranging from conventional D-type fiber sensors, to those based on photonic crystal D-type fibers and incorporating metamaterials, nanowires, among other new materials and components, results and applications. We start from the fundamental physical processes, such as optical and plasmonic mode coupling, and discuss the implementation of the numerical model, optical response customization and their impact in sensor performance. Finally, we examine future perspectives.

Abstract
We consider broadband radiation interacting with a gas of self-gravitating dust grains. We show that photon-bubble formation can occur, due to a modified Jeans instability, which will imply the formation of two different kinds of dust density perturbations. This could be useful for understanding the B-mode signal observed in the CMB polarization survey, and other astrophysical processes, such as the formation of protoplanets and voids in dust clouds.