We demonstrate the feasibility of organic semiconductor lasers as light sources for lab-on-a-chip systems. These lasers
are based on a 1D- or 2D-photonic crystal resonator structure providing optical feedback in the active laser material that
is deposited on top, e.g. aluminum tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) (Alq3) doped with the laser dye 4-dicyanomethylene-2-methyl-6-(p-dimethylaminostyryl)-4H-pyran (DCM). We investigated different fabrication methods for the resonator
structures, like thermal nanoimprint, UV nanoimprint, and laser interference lithography. Different substrate materials
commonly used in lab-on-a-chip systems, e.g. PMMA, Topas, and Ormocer were deployed. By changing the distributed
feedback grating periodicity, we demonstrate a tuning range for a single material system of more than 120 nm.
The investigated organic semiconductor lasers are optically pumped. External optical pumping provides a feasible
way for one-time-use chips. Our recent success of pumping organic lasers with a low-cost laser diode also renders hand-held
systems possible.
As a further step towards the integration of organic lasers in sensor systems, we demonstrate the coupling of an
organic laser into polymeric waveguides which can be combined with microfluidic channels. The integrated organic
lasers and the waveguides are both fabricated on the same polished PMMA substrate using thermal nanoimprint
lithography and deep-UV modification, respectively. We could demonstrate the guiding of the laser light in single-mode
waveguides.
The use of organic optoelectronic devices such as organic light-emitting diodes and organic photodiodes in micro-optical systems is discussed. Potential applications like optical interconnects and optical sensor systems are examined. Device characteristics including emission spectra, I-V-curves and the dynamic behaviour are analysed. In the combination with a polymeric optical fibre (POF) a transmission line comprising a organic light emitting diodes and organic photodiodes is demonstrated. An important step towards integration is realized by coupling the amplified spontaneous emission of an organic semiconductor material into a single-mode polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) waveguide.
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