Integration of Opto-Fluidic Microring Resonator Lasers for Lab-On-a-Chip Development

In this work we present a method for creating an integrated optofluidic ring resonator (OFRR) laser system by embedding it in a low index polymer, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Packaging the OFRR inside PDIVIS enhances portability, mechanical stability, and the ability to connect it to chip-based microfluidics. The OFRR retains high Q-factors even in the polymer (> 10(6)) and exhibits a low lasing threshold (< 1 mu J/mm(2)). Additionally, the laser emission can be efficiently and directionally coupled out through an optical fiber or fiber prism in touch with the ring resonator. At 2.2 mu J/mm(2) PUMP intensity, the laser output from the fiber is 80 nW, corresponding to 50% power extraction efficiency. Our work will lead to novel design in lab-on-a-chip devices and micro total analysis systems for biological and chemical detection.