title: Random laser spectroscopy for nanoscale perturbation sensing.
abstract: We report a spectroscopic method using coherent random lasers for a simple, yet nanoscale, sensing approach. Unique spectral properties of coherent random laser emission can be detectably altered when introducing nanoscale perturbations to a simple nanocomposite film that consists of dielectric nanospheres and laser-dye-doped polymer to serve as a transducer. Random lasing action provides a means to amplify subtle perturbations to readily detectable spectral shifts in multiple discrete emission peaks. Owing to several advantages, such as large-area detection, narrow and multiple emission peaks, straightforward detection, and simple fabrication, random laser spectroscopy has the potential for ultrasensitive, yet simple, biosensors in various applications.
authors.affiliation: Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
authors.forename: Qinghai
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Song
authors.forename: Shumin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Xiao
authors.forename: Zhengbin
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Vladimir M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Shalaev
authors.forename: Young L
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D015374:Biosensing Techniques; D004867:Equipment Design; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D007834:Lasers; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000379:methods; D054118:Nanospheres; D036103:Nanotechnology; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012984:Software; D014159:Transducers
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers