Physically transient photonics: random vs. distributed feedback lasing based on nanoimprinted DNA

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the creation of transient, DNA-based nanophotonic lasers with both random and distributed feedback mechanisms, showcasing their potential for environmentally degradable photonic devices.

Contribution

It introduces a novel DNA-based laser platform capable of both random and distributed feedback lasing, with high-resolution patterning and transient behavior in water.

Findings

DNA-based DFB lasers operate at 605 nm with linewidths <0.3 nm.

Patterned DNA films dissolve in water within two minutes.

Devices exhibit polarized emission with high TE/TM ratio.

Abstract

The authors report on a room-temperature nanoimprinted, DNA-based distributed feedback (DFB) laser operating at 605 nm. The laser is made of a pure DNA host matrix doped with gain dyes. At high excitation densities, the emission of the untextured dye-doped DNA films is characterized by a broad emission peak with an overall linewidth of 12 nm and superimposed narrow peaks, characteristic of random lasing. Moreover, direct patterning of the DNA films is demonstrated with a resolution down to 100 nm, enabling the realization of both surface-emitting and edge-emitting DFB lasers with a typical linewidth<0.3 nm. The resulting emission is polarized, with a ratio between the TE- and TM-polarized intensities exceeding 30. In addition, the nanopatterned devices dissolve in water within less than two minutes. These results demonstrate the possibility of realizing various physically transient nanophotonics and laser architectures, including random lasing and nanoimprinted devices, based on natural biopolymers.