Bio-for-engineering : modeling of Bragg resonators.

Abstract

In order to achieve in-vivo bio-lasing, there is a need for the design and study of an organic Bragg resonator. Notably, phospholipids are organic in nature, nontoxic and biocompatible with the living cells. In addition, they have the ability to

self-assemble and encapsulate different aqueous solutions that could eventually form organic multi-layered liposomes (MLLs). A numerical study of a multi-layered spherical structure that closely resembles the MLL, with periodic variation of refractive indices across its layers is conducted.

Numerical studies focus on the optimization of the band-gaps within the transmission spectra, which is to (1) control the Bragg wavelength, (2) achieve high reflectivity and (3) obtain a narrower bandwidth for high specificity. Increasing number of layers and higher refractive index contrast showed stronger band-gaps. Notably, the presence of a defect core, which disrupts the periodicity of the structure, leads to the formation of narrower band-gaps for higher specificity. These showed the feasibility and potential of the MLLs as organic Bragg resonators.