Biomaterial-based random lasers achieved from peanut kernel doped with birch leaf-derived carbon dots.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Photonics
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Natural biomaterials possess disordered structures suitable for resonant cavities.
• Developing eco-friendly and biocompatible microlasers is a significant challenge.
• Synthetic laser materials often raise toxicity concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a biomaterial-based random laser using carbon dots (CDs) as the gain medium.
• To investigate the potential of natural disordered microstructures for random lasing.
• To explore eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives to synthetic laser materials.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of CDs-doped peanut samples via microinjection of birch leaf-derived CDs.
• Characterization of fluorescence properties of CDs within the peanut matrix.
• Observation and analysis of random lasing phenomena under pulsed laser excitation.

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of CDs-doped peanut samples retaining CD fluorescence.
• Observation of random lasing on multiple peanut surfaces with varying thresholds.
• Identification of light scattering within the disordered peanut structure as the lasing mechanism.

Conclusions:

• Natural biomaterial microstructures can facilitate random lasing.
• Biomaterial-based random lasers offer a biocompatible and sustainable alternative.
• This approach paves the way for eco-friendly and cost-effective photonic devices.