Microscopic Lasers as Biointegrated Sensors

Abstract

Microscopic lasers combine the unique advantages of laser light with a small footprint and variable material choice, rendering them promising biointegrated optical sensors. Their barcode-like emission spectra can be used to identify and track large numbers of biological cells. In addition, changes of the spectral positions of the laser modes are used for sensing various physical, chemical, and biological stimuli. In this talk, I will introduce the concept of micro and nanolasers and present different material platforms currently developed in our lab. I will then show how these lasers are used for biological experiments, especially in the context of sensing the contractions of heart cells on the single cell and organ level.

Marcel Schubert