The following project aims to study the light amplification phenomenon for systems of biological origin both emerging spontaneously, as well as produced with the microfabrication technique using two-photon polymerization. The aim of the project is to fabricate random laser or optical sensor built from the compounds of biological origin and using studied phenomena.
Light amplification phenomenon is observed for systems in which it is possible to obtain a population inversion state and further depopulation with the light emission based on the spontaneous and stimulated emission. Large group of fluorescent dyes were used until now in the amplification process, however the use of naturally originated compounds is negligible. Currently there is observed increased interest of biomaterials appliance.
This project involves natural compounds usage in studied phenomena both as the active material, as well as host matrix designated for dye doped systems. The planned research focuses on polymer thin films induced optically, however, an important novelty in this project is the microfabrication technique appliance for photonic structures fabrication. Two-photon polymerization gives the possibility of selective polymerization of the compounds in a limited focal volume, which is possible to produce three-dimensional structures of micrometer sizes. Usage of this technique is crucial from the point of view of fabrication systems for light amplification especially random lasing, thus we believe with this technique it is possible to fabricate optical resonators the designed way with precise control of such parameters as light scattering and amplification.
Fabricated systems are going to be tested in spectroscopic studies, light amplification with optical excitation, examination of morphology and stability. Applied research techniques are used for the characterization of systems with natural dyes. It is also planned a theoretical approach of the disorder effect to the optical resonators distribution for laser modes coupling studies.
Light amplification phenomenon is widely used in the laser construction. The expected result in this project is to design the system fully originated from natural compounds. The use biocompatible and non‑toxic compounds may results in the future in devices design based on the light amplification fully integrated the living organisms, with the aim of e.g. supporting tumor therapy, or as optical sensors monitoring changes, as dermal sensors detecting the presence of toxic compounds in trace amounts, where the observed signal is amplified using the studied phenomena.