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Optofluidic FRET lasers using aqueous quantum dots as donors
Qiushu Chen1, Alper Kiraz2, Xudong Fan1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. akiraz@ku.edu.tr xsfan@umich.edu.
Lab on a Chip
|December 15, 2015
Summary
Quantum dots (QDs) enable a novel optofluidic laser using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). This advancement enhances biochemical analysis and photonic device versatility, offering new research possibilities.
Area of Science:
- Optofluidics
- Biophotonics
- Laser Physics
Background:
- Optofluidic lasers integrate microcavities with gain media.
- Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) enables energy transfer between molecules.
- Novel photonic devices and sensitive biochemical analysis are potential applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate an optofluidic FRET laser utilizing quantum dots (QDs) as FRET donors.
- Explore the use of QDs for enhanced optofluidic laser operation.
- Analyze factors influencing FRET laser performance.
Main Methods:
- Constructed an optofluidic laser incorporating a QD-Cy5 FRET pair within a microcavity.
- Excited the system at 450 nm to achieve lasing from the Cy5 acceptor.
- Measured the lasing threshold and analyzed energy transfer dynamics.
Main Results:
- Achieved lasing from Cy5 acceptor in a QD-Cy5 pair with a threshold of approximately 14 μJ mm(-2).
- Demonstrated QDs' effectiveness as FRET donors due to their broad absorption in blue/UV regions.
- Identified energy transfer rate and QD non-radiative Auger recombination as key performance factors.
Conclusions:
- Quantum dots are versatile donors for optofluidic FRET lasers.
- This technology broadens the scope of optofluidic laser applications.
- Understanding energy transfer dynamics is crucial for optimizing FRET laser performance.
