Abstract
Organic distributed feedback lasers can detect nanoscale materials, and are, therefore, an attractive sensing platform for biological and medical applications. In this paper, we present a model for optimizing such laser sensors, and discuss the advantages of using an organic semiconductor as the laser material in comparison to dyes in a matrix. The structure of the sensor and its operation principle are described. Bulk and surface sensing experimental data using oligofluorene truxene macromolecules and a conjugated polymer for the gain region are shown to correspond to modeled values and is used to assess the biosensing attributes of the sensor. A comparison between organic semiconductor and dye-doped laser sensitivity is made and analyzed theoretically. Finally, experimental and theoretical specific biosensing data are provided, and methods for improving sensitivity are discussed.
Highlights
S TRATIFIED medicine is a 21st century concept aimed at enabling clinicians to tailor treatment for individual groups of patients through the use of biological markers [1]
The laser threshold decreases for increasing superstrate refractive index and is approximately half of the value stated when immersed in water
We hypothesized that a DFB laser sensor with a neat Organic semiconductor (OS) gain layer would enable higher surface sensing sensitivity relative to a DFB laser with a lower index dye-doped gain layer
Summary
S TRATIFIED medicine is a 21st century concept aimed at enabling clinicians to tailor treatment for individual groups of patients through the use of biological markers (biomarkers) [1]. We predict that the use of a higher index semiconductor gain layer, which takes the form of a dense thin-film, will result in improved surface sensing capabilities due to an increase in the strength of the laser mode intensity at the laser surface (where the biodetection region is situated). Another advantage of an OS gain layer is the potential for lower lasing thresholds, opening up the possibility for diode pumping with either InGaN laser diodes or LEDs and would support miniaturization [5], [6]. Oligofluorene truxene macromolecules and a conjugated polymer are the OS gain materials used for the experimental data presented in this paper properties discussed can be extended to other OS gain materials
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