Photonic crystal nanolasers in polydimethylsiloxane thin film for sensing quantities leading to strain

We propose and realize a 1D photonic crystal nanocavity laser embedded in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) thin film. The nanolaser in PDMS exhibits a significant optical response to structural deformation. It can be attached to object surfaces or integrated into different configurations, enabling the detection of different quantities that induce strain in the film. In experiments, this nanolaser can detect temperature variations or micrometer-scale bending degrees by attaching it to a temperature-controllable or bendable plate, respectively. Moreover, we further utilize the film as a diaphragm of a chamber to demonstrate its potential as a highly sensitive pressure gauge and chemical sensor. By adjusting the thickness of the PDMS thin film and the position of the nanolaser, we experimentally achieved a minimum detectable gas pressure variation of 0.12 kPa and a sensing dynamic range of 46 dB. We also investigate the optical response of the nanolaser to the swelling of the PDMS thin film induced by different organic solvents in experiments. The experimental wavelength shift rates over time are proportional to different chemical vapors' PDMS swelling ratios, which can be used to identify specific chemical vapors within the chamber that induce PDMS swelling. Based on the experimental results and the capability of reattaching to different objects or configurations, we believe that our PhC nanolaser demonstrated herein holds significant potential as a highly sensitive mechanical and chemical sensor.