Biologically Controlled Lasing Could Lead to Nanoscale Functionality

An international research team at Nanyang Technological University has demonstrated the concept of a switchable microlaser controlled by the organic biomolecule DNA hybridization process. The study could lead to the development of programmable photonic devices at the subnanoscale. Optical switching is typically achieved through complex device fabrication, or through physical approaches, such as modifying the structure or refractive index of the lasing cavities. In contrast to artificially designed interfaces, stimuli responsive biointerfaces take advantage of biological system and biorecognition, ensuring that a higher level of functionality can be realized at the nanoscale. Professor Yu-Cheng Chen, who is corresponding author...