Gain-Based Mechanism for pH Sensing Based on Random Lasing

TY - JOUR

T1 - Gain-Based Mechanism for pH Sensing Based on Random Lasing

AU - Gaio, Michele

AU - Carlos Caixeiro, Soraya

AU - Marelli, Benedetto

AU - Omenetto, Fiorenzo

AU - Sapienza, Riccardo

PY - 2017/3

Y1 - 2017/3

N2 - Here, we investigate the mechanism of a random-lasing-based sensor which shows pH sensitivity exceeding by 2 orders of magnitude that of a conventional fluorescence sensor. We explain the sensing mechanism as related to gain modifications and lasing-threshold nonlinearities. A dispersive diffusive lasing theory matches the experimental results well, and it allows us to predict the optimal sensing conditions and a maximal sensitivity as large as 200 times that of an identical fluorescence-based sensor. The lack of complex alignment and the high sensitivity make this mechanism promising for future biosensing applications.

AB - Here, we investigate the mechanism of a random-lasing-based sensor which shows pH sensitivity exceeding by 2 orders of magnitude that of a conventional fluorescence sensor. We explain the sensing mechanism as related to gain modifications and lasing-threshold nonlinearities. A dispersive diffusive lasing theory matches the experimental results well, and it allows us to predict the optimal sensing conditions and a maximal sensitivity as large as 200 times that of an identical fluorescence-based sensor. The lack of complex alignment and the high sensitivity make this mechanism promising for future biosensing applications.

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85017009475

U2 - 10.1103/PhysRevApplied.7.034005

DO - 10.1103/PhysRevApplied.7.034005

M3 - Article

VL - 7

SP - 034005-1-034005-6

JO - PHYSICAL REVIEW APPLIED

JF - PHYSICAL REVIEW APPLIED

IS - 3

M1 - 034005

ER -