High quality factor, monodisperse micron-sized random lasers based on porous PLGA spheres

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Optics
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Miniature random lasers are vital for barcoding, bioimaging, and on-chip applications.
• Developing monodisperse, size-tunable, and biocompatible random lasers remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate miniature, biocompatible random lasers using poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA).
• To achieve size-tunable and monodisperse PLGA spheres for random laser applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized PLGA, a medically approved biocompatible material.
• Integrated dye-doped PLGA solution with a microfluidic system for sphere fabrication.
• Investigated lasing properties via optical pulse excitation and Fourier transform analysis.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated monodisperse PLGA spheres with tunable sizes (25–52 µm).
• Achieved strong random lasing emission (610–640 nm) with a low threshold (~22 µJ·mm⁻²).
• Demonstrated a high quality factor (3100) with a spectral linewidth of 0.2 nm.

Conclusions:

• PLGA spheres are a promising platform for creating high-quality, biocompatible random lasers.
• The microfluidic fabrication method allows for precise control over laser size and properties.
• These findings advance the development of miniature lasers for biomedical and technological applications.