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Motor-like microlasers functioning in biological fluids.
Ziyihui Wang1,2, Linwei Shang2, Zehang Gao3,4
1School of Precision Instrument and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
Lab on a Chip
|September 5, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed novel motor-like microlasers using magnetic liquid crystal droplets. These controllable laser-emitting micromotors enable precise manipulation and targeted light delivery for biological applications.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microlasers offer intense light and narrow linewidth for biological studies.
- Controllable motion and versatile functions of microlasers in biological systems are challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce motor-like microlasers with controllable motion and versatile functions.
- To demonstrate their application in biological systems.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of magnetic-doped liquid crystal droplets as microlasers.
- Control of translational and rotatory motion using magnetic fields.
- Encoding functions and wavelengths onto lasing micromotors.
Main Results:
- Achieved real-time control over microlaser direction and velocity.
- Demonstrated tunable translational and rotatory movements.
- Successfully created lasing-encoded motors with distinct functions and wavelengths.
Conclusions:
- Motor-like microlasers provide precise manipulation in biological fluids.
- This technology offers a novel approach for localized light stimulation and subcellular imaging.
- Paves the way for programmable on-chip laser devices and intelligent laser-emitting systems.
