An organic semiconductor laser based on star-shaped truxene-core oligomers for refractive index sensing

Haughey, A.-M., Guilhabert, B., Kanibolotsky, A.L., Skabara, P.J. , Burley, G.A., Dawson, M.D. and Laurand, N. (2013) An organic semiconductor laser based on star-shaped truxene-core oligomers for refractive index sensing. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 185, pp. 132-139. (doi: 10.1016/j.snb.2013.04.026)

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Abstract

The sensing capabilities of an all-organic semiconductor distributed feedback laser based on star-shaped truxene-core molecules are described. Two assays are presented as a proof-of-principle demonstration. In the first, concentration changes in the range of 5–60% (v/v) glycerol solution in water were measured with a bulk detection sensitivity of 21 nm per refractive index unit. Secondly, layer-by-layer adsorption of polyelectrolytes to the laser surface, up to a thickness of ≈45 nm, was measured. The experimental results from both assays are compared to, and shown to agree with, a theoretical model. Organic semiconductor lasers of this type have a number of attractions including ease of large-scale fabrication, incorporation into existing assay equipment and no rigid optical alignment constraints for excitation and collection of emission, which makes them well-suited to sensing applications. Therefore, it is expected that this technology will be useful in biosensing applications where label-free samples are investigated.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Skabara, Professor Peter
Authors: Haughey, A.-M., Guilhabert, B., Kanibolotsky, A.L., Skabara, P.J., Burley, G.A., Dawson, M.D., and Laurand, N.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
Journal Name:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0925-4005
ISSN (Online):1873-3077
Published Online:17 April 2013

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