Organic Semiconductor Laser Biosensor: Design and Performance Discussion

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 dyedoped laser sensitivity is made and analyzed theoretically. Finally, experimental and theoretical specific biosensing data are provided, and methods for improving sensitivity are discussed.

Re-evaluation of all-plastic organic dye laser with DFB structure fabricated using photoresists

“…Its durability increased 20.5-fold compared with that of an OSSL based on poly (methyl methacrylate) matrix 16 . OSSLs with DFB structure can detect nanoscale materials on DFB surface and therefore provide an attractive sensing platform for biological and medical applications 17 . A recent paper discusses the design and performance of organic DFB lasers in biosensor applications 17 .…”

Amplifying organic semiconductor waveguide based nanocrystal sensor

“…The core of the amplifying waveguide is made of a conjugated polymer, BBEHP-PPV [2,3]. BBEHP-PPV has been shown to combine low threshold for stimulated emission with relatively high photostability [1][2][3]. Fig.…”

“…Solution-processed organic semiconductors are attractive materials for chemical and biological sensing using stimulated emission [1][2][3]. However, they are also susceptible to photochemical damage in ambient atmosphere, especially at the pumping intensities required to operate in the stimulated emission regime.…”

Theoretical study of charge-transport and optical properties of organic crystals: 4,5,9,10-pyrenediimides

“…Organic semiconductors are of great interest for their intrinsic scientific challenge and potential applications in organic electronic devices such as organic light-emitting diodes (Lin et al, 2016), plastic solar cells (Gao et al, 2017;Skrypnychuk et al, 2016;Yang et al, 2016), organic lasers (Kuehne & Gather, 2016;Zhang et al, 2016), (bio)chemical sensors (Wang et al, 2017;Haughey et al, 2016) and organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) (Zhao et al, 2017;Sung et al, 2016;Raghuwanshi et al, 2016;Matsushima et al, 2016;Ford et al, 2016). Compared with p-channel materials, the development of high-performance ambient-stable n-channel materials has largely lagged due to the fact that the transport in n-channel conductors is degraded easily by air, and their low electronic affinity hinders efficient injection of electrons into the empty lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO).…”