Engineering of photonic integrated circuit bio-chip for flexible sensing applications

Abstract

The advent of biological lasers presents a transformative opportunity for biomedical sensing and imaging applications, yet the application of microlasers in human-related contexts remains underexplored. This project aims to bridge this gap by developing flexible and wearable microlaser devices tailored for chemical and mechanical sensing with unparalleled sensitivity and signal contrast. The focus lies on the creation of soft matter-based microlasers capable of detecting chemical components in bodily fluids and discerning human motions, including heart rate, vibrations, and pressure changes. This entails exploration of various soft materials and optimization of microlaser optical properties, alongside the fabrication and study of different structural designs and cavities. The flexibility and tunability of these lasers are essential for achieving multifaceted sensing capabilities, allowing for real-time analysis of chemical and physical human interactions. By achieving these objectives, this project not only advances healthcare monitoring but also pioneers the integration of soft biolasers into human-based applications, thereby propelling innovations in healthcare technology. Traditional electronic and photonic devices are constrained by their inherent 2D and rigid nature, posing limitations in interfacing with the dynamic and nonplanar surfaces of living organisms. This underscores the demand for flexible and stretchable photonics, capable of mechanical deformation without compromising functionality. This overview highlights the evolving landscape of flexible and stretchable photonics, elucidating key material, design, processing, and device technologies pivotal for their advancement. By delineating the enabling technologies shaping this field, this overview sets the stage for new growth opportunities as applications of flexible and stretchable photonics continue to unfold. The burgeoning demand for flexible and stretchable photonic sensors is propelled by emerging technologies such as soft robotics, electronic skin, and wearable devices. Conventional photonic sensors, fabricated with rigid materials, fall short in deformable or soft systems, necessitating the development of flexible and stretchable counterparts. Recent progress in this domain, particularly in sensors modulating light transmission, is elucidated, encompassing materials synthesis, structure design, fabrication methods, and sensing characteristics. Despite current challenges, the prospects for flexible and stretchable photonic sensors are promising, offering vast application potential in diverse fields.