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Intracavity dynamics-based gain-assisted sensing with microtubule Raman microlaser

Authors :
Mingfang Li
Zongren Dai
Mingwang Tian
Yidong Tan
Source :
APL Photonics, Vol 8, Iss 8, Pp 086111-086111-10 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
AIP Publishing LLC, 2023.

Abstract

Microcavity lasers show excellent performance as a miniaturized microsensor in various applications. However, their relatively weak power may be easily submerged in system noises and disturbed by environmental fluctuations, rendering them ineffective at detecting small signals for precise sensing. To solve this problem, the laser differential frequency-shift feedback technique is demonstrated in a microtubule Raman laser to achieve the optical gain assistance. When the microlaser is frequency-shift-modulated and returns back to the resonator, the measurement signal can resonate with the laser relaxation oscillation and be significantly enhanced. The intracavity dynamics-based enhancement makes it effective for increasing intensity changes caused by analytes. Small signals that would otherwise be buried in system noises and go undetected can be more easily resolved. In addition, the microsensor reduces the spectral measurement range and offers a way to observe the fast dynamic response. Based on that, a measurement resolution of 50 nm nanoparticle detection limit and a refractive index noise-limited resolution of 8.18 × 10−7 refractive index unit (RIU) are demonstrated. The dynamic phase transition of thermosensitive hydrogel is further investigated as a validation of its rapid detection capability. Integrated with an inherent microfluidic channel, the proposed microsensor provides a direct interaction between analytes and probe light with ultrasmall sample consumption down to 50 pl. It is expected to boost the detection of weak signals in microlasers and enlighten the development of optofluidic microsensors in exploring diverse biochemical processes.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
23780967
Volume :
8
Issue :
8
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
APL Photonics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.1c9f91830aa343028683181743a384ca
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0158302