Droplet lasers: a review of current progress. (10th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McGloin, D
• Is Part Of: Reports on progress in physics. Volume 80:Number 5(2017:May)
• Publication Date: 2017-04-10
• Subjects: droplet lasers -- whispering gallery modes -- quantum dots -- biolasers -- optical manipulation -- biosensing -- liquid crystals; Physics -- Periodicals; 530.05
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6633/aa6172
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0034-4885

Abstract

Abstract: It is perhaps surprising that something as fragile as a microscopic droplet could possibly form a laser. In this article we will review some of the underpinning physics as to how this might be possible, and then examine the state of the art in the field. The technology to create and manipulate droplets will be examined, as will the different classes of droplet lasers. We discuss the rapidly developing fields of droplet biolasers, liquid crystal laser droplets and explore how droplet lasers could give rise to new bio and chemical sensing and analysis. The challenges that droplet lasers face in becoming robust devices, either as sensors or as photonic components in the lab on chip devices, is assessed.