Themed issue: Optofluidics

The term optofluidics defines a growing research area that integrates optics and microfluidics in ways that enable unique strengths and advantages for a broad range of applications. The First International Conference on Optofluidics (Optofluidics- 2011) organized by Xi'an Jiaotong University and Lab on a Chip on 11–12 December 2011 featured work in this field, with an exciting two-day program of presentations and discussions. We are happy that Lab on a Chip, a major publication destination for optofluidic research, has scheduled this themed issue on Optofluidics. We are especially heartened that the optofluidics community has responded enthusiastically with a large number of excellent manuscript submissions.