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Wang C, Gong C, Zhang Y, Qiao Z, Yuan Z, Gong Y, Chang GE, Tu WC, Chen YC. Programmable Rainbow-Colored Optofluidic Fiber Laser Encoded with Topologically Structured Chiral Droplets. ACS NANO 2021; 15:11126-11136. [PMID: 34137585 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c02650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Optofluidic lasers are emerging building blocks with immense potential in the development of miniaturized light sources, integrated photonics, and sensors. The capability of on-demand lasing output with programmable and continuous wavelength tunability over a broad spectral range enables key functionalities in wavelength-division multiplexing and manipulation of light-matter interactions. However, the ability to control multicolor lasing characteristics within a small mode volume with high reconfigurability remains challenging. The color gamut is also restricted by the number of dyes and emission wavelength of existing materials. In this study, we introduce a fully programmable multicolor laser by encapsulating organic-dye-doped cholesteric liquid crystal microdroplet lasers in an optofluidic fiber. A mechanism for tuning laser emission wavelengths was proposed by manipulating the topologically induced nanoshell structures in microdroplets with different chiral dopant concentrations. Precision control of distinctive lasing wavelengths and colors covering the entire visible spectra was achieved, including monochromatic lasing, dual-color lasing, tri-color lasing, and white colored lasing with tunable color temperatures. Our findings revealed a CIE color map with 145% more perceptible colors than the standard RGB space, shedding light on the development of programmable lasers, multiplexed encoding, and biomedical detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenlu Wang
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Chaoyang Gong
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Yifan Zhang
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Zhen Qiao
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Zhiyi Yuan
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Yuan Gong
- Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber Sensing and Communications, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 611731, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guo-En Chang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Advanced Institute of Manufacturing with High-Tech Innovations, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi 62102, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chen Tu
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Chen
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
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Sano T, Black J, Mitchell S, Zhang H, Schmidt H. Pneumatically tunable optofluidic DFB dye laser using corrugated sidewalls. OPTICS LETTERS 2020; 45:5978-5981. [PMID: 33137048 DOI: 10.1364/ol.404303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Polydimethylsiloxane-based optofluidics provides a powerful platform for a complete analytical lab-on-chip. Here, we report on a novel on-chip laser source that can be integrated with sample preparation and analysis functions. A corrugated sidewall structure is integrated into a microfluidic channel to form a distributed feedback (DFB) laser using rhodamine 6G dissolved in an ethylene glycol and water solution. Lasing is demonstrated with a threshold pump power of 87.9 µW, corresponding to a pump intensity of 52.7mW/cm2. Laser threshold and output power are optimized with respect to rhodamine 6G concentration and core index and found to be in good agreement with a rate equation model. Additionally, the laser can be switched on and off mechanically using a pneumatic cell inducing positive pressure on the grating.
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Shi X, Bian Y, Tong J, Liu D, Zhou J, Wang Z. Chromaticity-tunable white random lasing based on a microfluidic channel. OPTICS EXPRESS 2020; 28:13576-13585. [PMID: 32403829 DOI: 10.1364/oe.384246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The color and/or chromaticity controllability of random lasing is a key factor to promote practical applications of random lasers as high luminance sources for speckle-free imaging. Here, white coherent random lasing with tunable chromaticity is obtained by using broadband enhancement Au-Ag nanowires as scatterers and the resonance energy transfer process between different dyes in the capillary microfluidic channel. Red, green and blue random lasers are separately fabricated with low thresholds, benefiting from the plasmonic resonance of the nanogaps and/or nanotips with random distribution and sizes within Au-Ag nanowires and positive optical feedback provided by the capillary wall. A white random laser system is then designed through reorganizing the three random lasers. And, the chromaticity of the white random laser is flexibly tunable by adjusting pump power density. In addition, the white random laser has anisotropic spectra due to the coupling role between the lasers. This characteristic is then utilized to obtain different random lasing with different chromaticity over a broad visible range. The results may provide a basis for applying random laser in the field of high brightness illumination, biomedical imaging, and sensors.
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Guo Z, Wang H, Zhao C, Chen L, Liu S, Hu J, Zhou Y, Wu X. Spectral Modulation of Optofluidic Coupled-Microdisk Lasers in Aqueous Media. NANOMATERIALS 2019; 9:nano9101439. [PMID: 31614416 PMCID: PMC6835252 DOI: 10.3390/nano9101439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
We present the spectral modulation of an optofluidic microdisk device and investigate the mechanism and characteristics of the microdisk laser in aqueous media. The optofluidic microdisk device combines a solid-state dye-doped polymer microdisk with a microfluidic channel device, whose optical field can interact with the aqueous media. Interesting phenomena, such as mode splitting and single-mode lasing in the laser spectrum, can be observed in two coupled microdisks under the pump laser. We modulated the spectra by changing the gap of the two coupled microdisks, the refractive indices of the aqueous media, and the position of a pump light, namely, selective pumping schemes. This optofluidic microlaser provides a method to modulate the laser spectra precisely and flexibly, which will help to further understand spectral properties of coupled microcavity laser systems and develop potential applications in photobiology and photomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihe Guo
- Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Photonic Structures (Ministry of Education), Department of Optical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultra Precision Optical Manufacturing, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Haotian Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Laser Materials and Devices, School of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China.
| | - Chenming Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Photonic Structures (Ministry of Education), Department of Optical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultra Precision Optical Manufacturing, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Lin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Photonic Structures (Ministry of Education), Department of Optical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultra Precision Optical Manufacturing, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Sheng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Photonic Structures (Ministry of Education), Department of Optical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultra Precision Optical Manufacturing, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Jinliang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Photonic Structures (Ministry of Education), Department of Optical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultra Precision Optical Manufacturing, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Yi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Photonic Structures (Ministry of Education), Department of Optical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultra Precision Optical Manufacturing, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Xiang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Photonic Structures (Ministry of Education), Department of Optical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultra Precision Optical Manufacturing, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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Zheng L, Zhi M, Chan Y, Khan SA. Multi-color lasing in chemically open droplet cavities. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14088. [PMID: 30237486 PMCID: PMC6147796 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32596-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we demonstrate FRET-based multicolor lasing within chemically open droplet cavities that allow online modulation of the gain medium composition. To do this, we generated monodisperse microfluidic droplets loaded with coumarin 102 (donor), where the spherical droplets acted as whispering gallery mode (WGM) optical cavities in which coumarin 102 lasing (~ 470 nm) was observed. The lasing color was switched from blue to orange by the introduction of a second dye (acceptor, rhodamine 6 G) into the flowing droplet cavities; subsequent lasing from rhodamine 6 G (~ 590 nm) was observed together with the complete absence of coumarin 102 emission. The ability to control color switching online within the same droplet cavity enables sequential detection of multiple target molecules within or around the cavity. As a demonstration of this concept, we show how the presence of FITC-Dextran and methylene blue (MB) in the medium surrounding the lasing droplets can be sequentially detected by the blue and orange laser respectively. The method is simple and can be extended to a range of water-soluble dyes, thus enabling a wide spectral range for the lasing with the use of a single pump laser source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zheng
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 3 Engineering Drive 3, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117582, Singapore
| | - Min Zhi
- Department of Chemistry, 3 Science Drive 3, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Yinthai Chan
- Department of Chemistry, 3 Science Drive 3, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
| | - Saif A Khan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 3 Engineering Drive 3, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117582, Singapore.
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Zuo Y, Zhu X, Shi Y, Liang L, Yang Y. Light Manipulation in Inhomogeneous Liquid Flow and Its Application in Biochemical Sensing. MICROMACHINES 2018; 9:mi9040163. [PMID: 30424097 PMCID: PMC6187708 DOI: 10.3390/mi9040163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Light manipulation has always been the fundamental subject in the field of optics since centuries ago. Traditional optical devices are usually designed using glasses and other materials, such as semiconductors and metals. Optofluidics is the combination of microfluidics and optics, which brings a host of new advantages to conventional solid systems. The capabilities of light manipulation and biochemical sensing are inherent alongside the emergence of optofluidics. This new research area promotes advancements in optics, biology, and chemistry. The development of fast, accurate, low-cost, and small-sized biochemical micro-sensors is an urgent demand for real-time monitoring. However, the fluid flow in the on-chip sensor is usually non-uniformed, which is a new and emerging challenge for the accuracy of optical detection. It is significant to reveal the principle of light propagation in an inhomogeneous liquid flow and the interaction between biochemical samples and light in flowing liquids. In this review, we summarize the current state of optofluidic lab-on-a-chip techniques from the perspective of light modulation by the unique dynamic properties of fluid in heterogeneous media, such as diffusion, heat transfer, and centrifugation etc. Furthermore, this review introduces several novel photonic phenomena in an inhomogeneous liquid flow and demonstrates their application in biochemical sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Zuo
- School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Xiaoqiang Zhu
- School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Yang Shi
- School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Li Liang
- School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Yi Yang
- School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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Feng Z, Bai L. Advances of Optofluidic Microcavities for Microlasers and Biosensors. MICROMACHINES 2018; 9:mi9030122. [PMID: 30424056 PMCID: PMC6187242 DOI: 10.3390/mi9030122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Optofluidic microcavities with high Q factor have made rapid progress in recent years by using various micro-structures. On one hand, they are applied to microfluidic lasers with low excitation thresholds. On the other hand, they inspire the innovation of new biosensing devices with excellent performance. In this article, the recent advances in the microlaser research and the biochemical sensing field will be reviewed. The former will be categorized based on the structures of optical resonant cavities such as the Fabry⁻Pérot cavity and whispering gallery mode, and the latter will be classified based on the working principles into active sensors and passive sensors. Moreover, the difficulty of single-chip integration and recent endeavors will be briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqing Feng
- College of Physics and Materials Engineering, Dalian Nationalities University, Dalian 116600, China.
| | - Lan Bai
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Dalian Nationalities University, Dalian 116600, China.
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Bates KE, Lu H. Optics-Integrated Microfluidic Platforms for Biomolecular Analyses. Biophys J 2017; 110:1684-1697. [PMID: 27119629 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Compared with conventional optical methods, optics implemented on microfluidic chips provide small, and often much cheaper ways to interrogate biological systems from the level of single molecules up to small model organisms. The optical probing of single molecules has been used to investigate the mechanical properties of individual biological molecules; however, multiplexing of these measurements through microfluidics and nanofluidics confers many analytical advantages. Optics-integrated microfluidic systems can significantly simplify sample processing and allow a more user-friendly experience; alignments of on-chip optical components are predetermined during fabrication and many purely optical techniques are passively controlled. Furthermore, sample loss from complicated preparation and fluid transfer steps can be virtually eliminated, a particularly important attribute for biological molecules at very low concentrations. Excellent fluid handling and high surface area/volume ratios also contribute to faster detection times for low abundance molecules in small sample volumes. Although integration of optical systems with classical microfluidic analysis techniques has been limited, microfluidics offers a ready platform for interrogation of biophysical properties. By exploiting the ease with which fluids and particles can be precisely and dynamically controlled in microfluidic devices, optical sensors capable of unique imaging modes, single molecule manipulation, and detection of minute changes in concentration of an analyte are possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E Bates
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia; School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Hang Lu
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia; School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia.
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9
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Zhu S, Shen Z, Jiang B, Chen X. Random lasing at the edge of a TiO 2 nanotube thin film. APPLIED OPTICS 2016; 55:5091-5094. [PMID: 27409195 DOI: 10.1364/ao.55.005091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we introduce a random laser in which lasing action is observed at the edge of a dye-doped TiO2 thin film. A TiO2 nanotube membrane serves as a disordered structure that enhances the optical multiple scattering effect, while Rhodamine 6G dissolved in ethylene glycol is used as a gain medium. In the experiment, a random laser with a low threshold is observed when optically pumped at the fringe of a TiO2 nanotube membrane, which makes it practical for microfluidic integration. Simulation results show that multiple scattered light between the nanotubes and ethylene glycol solution is more likely to form a resonance loop with the help of a random edge structure. This well interrupted the appearance of coherent spikes in the emission laser spectrum in the experiment. The edge random laser offers simplicity and convenience in both fabrication and operation, which makes it a promising component for optofluidic laser integration with TiO2 functional material.
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Lahoz F, Martín IR, Gil-Rostra J, Oliva-Ramirez M, Yubero F, Gonzalez-Elipe AR. Portable IR dye laser optofluidic microresonator as a temperature and chemical sensor. OPTICS EXPRESS 2016; 24:14383-14392. [PMID: 27410592 DOI: 10.1364/oe.24.014383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A compact and portable optofluidic microresonator has been fabricated and characterized. It is based on a Fabry-Perot microcavity consisting essentially of two tailored dichroic Bragg mirrors prepared by reactive magnetron sputtering deposition. The microresonator has been filled with an ethanol solution of Nile-Blue dye. Infrared laser emission has been measured with a pump threshold as low as 0.12 MW/cm2 and an external energy conversion efficiency of 41%. The application of the device as a temperature and a chemical sensor is demonstrated. Small temperature variations as well as small amount of water concentrations in the liquid laser medium are detected as a shift of the resonant laser modes.
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Wang Y, Leck KS, Ta VD, Chen R, Nalla V, Gao Y, He T, Demir HV, Sun H. Blue liquid lasers from solution of CdZnS/ZnS ternary alloy quantum dots with quasi-continuous pumping. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2015; 27:169-75. [PMID: 25236951 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201403237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
A blue (ca. 440 nm) liquid laser with an ultra-low threshold through which quasi-continuous wave pumping is accessible is achieved by engineering unconventional ternary CdZnS/ZnS alloyed-core/shell QDs. Such an achievement is enabled by exploiting the novel gain media with minimal defects, suppressed Auger recombination, and large gain cross-section in combination with high-quality-factor whispering gallery mode resonators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Division of Physics and Applied Physics, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
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12
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Chen Q, Ritt M, Sivaramakrishnan S, Sun Y, Fan X. Optofluidic lasers with a single molecular layer of gain. LAB ON A CHIP 2014; 14:4590-5. [PMID: 25312306 PMCID: PMC4229433 DOI: 10.1039/c4lc00872c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
We achieve optofluidic lasers with a single molecular layer of gain, in which green fluorescent protein, dye-labeled bovine serum albumin, and dye-labeled DNA, are used as the gain medium and attached to the surface of a ring resonator via surface immobilization biochemical methods. It is estimated that the surface density of the gain molecules is on the order of 10(12) cm(-2), sufficient for lasing under pulsed optical excitation. It is further shown that the optofluidic laser can be tuned by energy transfer mechanisms through biomolecular interactions. This work not only opens a door to novel photonic devices that can be controlled at the level of a single molecular layer but also provides a promising sensing platform to analyze biochemical processes at the solid-liquid interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiushu Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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13
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Fan X, Yun SH. The potential of optofluidic biolasers. Nat Methods 2014; 11:141-7. [PMID: 24481219 DOI: 10.1038/nmeth.2805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Optofluidic biolasers are emerging as a highly sensitive way to measure changes in biological molecules. Biolasers, which incorporate biological material into the gain medium and contain an optical cavity in a fluidic environment, can use the amplification that occurs during laser generation to quantify tiny changes in biological processes in the gain medium. We describe the principle of the optofluidic biolaser, review recent progress and provide our outlooks on potential applications and directions for developing this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Fan
- Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Seok-Hyun Yun
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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14
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Choi EY, Mager L, Cham TT, Dorkenoo KD, Fort A, Wu JW, Barsella A, Ribierre JC. Solvent-free fluidic organic dye lasers. OPTICS EXPRESS 2013; 21:11368-11375. [PMID: 23669993 DOI: 10.1364/oe.21.011368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We report on the demonstration of liquid organic dye lasers based on 9-(2-ethylhexyl)carbazole (EHCz), so-called liquid carbazole, doped with green- and red-emitting laser dyes. Both waveguide and Fabry-Perot type microcavity fluidic organic dye lasers were prepared by capillary action under solvent-free conditions. Cascade Förster-type energy transfer processes from liquid carbazole to laser dyes were employed to achieve color-variable amplified spontaneous emission and lasing. Overall, this study provides the first step towards the development of solvent-free fluidic organic semiconducting lasers and demonstrates a new kind of optoelectronic applications for liquid organic semiconductors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Young Choi
- Department of Physics, CNRS-Ewha International Research Center, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 120-750, South Korea
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Wienhold T, Breithaupt F, Vannahme C, Christiansen MB, Dörfler W, Kristensen A, Mappes T. Diffusion driven optofluidic dye lasers encapsulated into polymer chips. LAB ON A CHIP 2012; 12:3734-3739. [PMID: 22820609 DOI: 10.1039/c2lc40494j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Lab-on-a-chip systems made of polymers are promising for the integration of active optical elements, enabling e.g. on-chip excitation of fluorescent markers or spectroscopy. In this work we present diffusion operation of tunable optofluidic dye lasers in a polymer foil. We demonstrate that these first order distributed feedback lasers can be operated for more than 90 min at a pulse repetition rate of 2 Hz without fluidic pumping. Ultra-high output pulse energies of more than 10 μJ and laser thresholds of 2 μJ are achieved for resonator lengths of 3 mm. By introducing comparatively large on-chip dye solution reservoirs, the required exchange of dye molecules is accomplished solely by diffusion. Polymer chips the size of a microscope cover slip (18 × 18 mm(2)) were fabricated in batches on a wafer using a commercially available polymer (TOPAS(®) Cyclic Olefin Copolymer). Thermal imprinting of micro- and nanoscale structures into 100 μm foils simultaneously defines photonic resonators, liquid-core waveguides, and fluidic reservoirs. Subsequently, the fluidic structures are sealed with another 220 μm foil by thermal bonding. Tunability of laser output wavelengths over a spectral range of 24 nm on a single chip is accomplished by varying the laser grating period in steps of 2 nm. Low-cost manufacturing suitable for mass production, wide laser tunability, ultra-high output pulse energies, and long operation times without external fluidic pumping make these on-chip lasers suitable for a wide range of lab-on-a-chip applications, e.g. on-chip spectroscopy, biosensing, excitation of fluorescent markers, or surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Wienhold
- Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 76128, Karlsruhe, Germany.
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16
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Optofluidic waveguide as a transformation optics device for lightwave bending and manipulation. Nat Commun 2012; 3:651. [PMID: 22337129 PMCID: PMC3272574 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2011] [Accepted: 12/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Transformation optics represents a new paradigm for designing light-manipulating devices, such as cloaks and field concentrators, through the engineering of electromagnetic space using materials with spatially variable parameters. Here we analyse liquid flowing in an optofluidic waveguide as a new type of controllable transformation optics medium. We show that a laminar liquid flow in an optofluidic channel exhibits spatially variable dielectric properties that support novel wave-focussing and interference phenomena, which are distinctively different from the discrete diffraction observed in solid waveguide arrays. Our work provides new insight into the unique optical properties of optofluidic waveguides and their potential applications.
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17
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Cipparrone G, Mazzulla A, Pane A, Hernandez RJ, Bartolino R. Chiral self-assembled solid microspheres: a novel multifunctional microphotonic device. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2011; 23:5773-8. [PMID: 22083891 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201102828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Revised: 10/11/2011] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Solid chiral microspheres with unique and multifunctional optical properties are produced from cholesteric liquid crystal-water emulsions using photopolymerization processes. These self-organizing microspheres exhibit different internal configurations of helicoidal structures with radial, conical or cylindrical geometries, depending on the physicochemical characteristics of the precursor liquid crystal emulsion.
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Kuehne AJC, Gather MC, Eydelnant IA, Yun SH, Weitz DA, Wheeler AR. A switchable digital microfluidic droplet dye-laser. LAB ON A CHIP 2011; 11:3716-3719. [PMID: 21901207 DOI: 10.1039/c1lc20405j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Digital microfluidic devices allow the manipulation of droplets between two parallel electrodes. These electrodes can act as mirrors generating a micro-cavity, which can be exploited for a droplet dye-laser. Three representative laser-dyes with emission wavelengths spanning the whole visible spectrum are chosen to show the applicability of this concept. Sub-microlitre droplets of laser-dye solution are moved in and out of a lasing site on-chip to down-convert the UV-excitation light into blue, green and red laser-pulses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J C Kuehne
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, 9 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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19
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Yang Y, Liu AQ, Lei L, Chin LK, Ohl CD, Wang QJ, Yoon HS. A tunable 3D optofluidic waveguide dye laser via two centrifugal Dean flow streams. LAB ON A CHIP 2011; 11:3182-3187. [PMID: 21826360 DOI: 10.1039/c1lc20435a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents a tunable optofluidic waveguide dye laser utilizing two centrifugal Dean flows. The centrifugal Dean flow increases the light confinement of the dye laser by shaping a three-dimensional (3D) liquid waveguide from curved microchannels. The active medium with the laser dye is dissolved in the liquid core and pumped with an external pump laser to produce stimulated emission. The laser's Fabry-Pérot microcavity is formed with a pair of aligned gold-coated fiber facets to amplify the fluorescent emission. The advantage of the 3D optofluidic waveguide dye laser is its higher efficiency, thus to obtain lasing at a reduced threshold (60%) with higher output energy. The demonstrated slope efficiency is at least 3-fold higher than its traditional two-dimensional equivalent. In addition, the laser output energy can be varied on demand by tuning the flow rates of the two flows. This technique provides a versatile platform for high potential applications microfluidic biosensor and bioanalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Yang
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798
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Rea I, Orabona E, Lamberti A, Rendina I, De Stefano L. A microfluidics assisted porous silicon array for optical label-free biochemical sensing. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2011; 5:34120-3412010. [PMID: 22662045 PMCID: PMC3364833 DOI: 10.1063/1.3626008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2011] [Accepted: 07/28/2011] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
A porous silicon (PSi) based microarray has been integrated with a microfluidic system, as a proof of concept device for the optical monitoring of selective label-free DNA-DNA interaction. A 4 × 4 square matrix of PSi one dimensional photonic crystals, each one of 200 μm diameter and spaced by 600 μm, has been sealed by a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) channels circuit. The PSi optical microarray elements have been functionalized by DNA single strands after sealing: the microfluidic circuit allows to reduce significantly the biologicals and chemicals consumption, and also the incubation time with respect to a not integrated device. Theoretical calculations, based on finite element method, taking into account molecular interactions, are in good agreement with the experimental results, and the developed numerical model can be used for device optimization. The functionalization process and the interaction between DNA probe and target has been monitored by spectroscopic reflectometry for each PSi element in the microchannels.
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Liu AQ. Preface to special topic: optofluidics. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2010; 4:42901. [PMID: 21267433 PMCID: PMC3026023 DOI: 10.1063/1.3533774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2010] [Accepted: 12/14/2010] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
This Special Topic section of Biomicrofluidics is on optofluidics or micro-optofluidic systems (MOFS), a burgeoning technology that aims to manipulate light and fluid at microscale and exploits their interaction to create highly versatile devices and integrated systems. This special issue puts together various contributed articles focusing on optofluidics or MOFS, which help inspire new research ideas and innovation in the microfluidics and nanofluidics community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Qun Liu
- School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
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