Research of Common Optical Microresonator Applications

Optical resonators are fundamental optical components valued for their excellent monochromaticity, high sensitivity, and integrability. These attributes make them highly versatile, enabling widespread use in laser technology, optical signal processing, imaging, detection, and high-sensitivity biochemical sensing. Studying diverse resonator structures provides deeper insights into their overall functionality and offers crucial theoretical and data foundations. This paper reviews several prevalent optical microresonator structures, focusing primarily on a comparative analysis of microrings, microtubes, microspheres, and microdisks. It examines key performance metrics, including quality factor (Q), free spectral range (FSR), and mode volume, across these resonator types. Furthermore, the application scenarios for each structure are explored, highlighting how their distinct propertiessuch as ultra-high Q in spheres or efficient integration potential in ringsdictate their suitability for specific uses in sensing, lasing, or communications. The influence of resonator materials on these characteristics is also addressed. Finally, the discussion encompasses current fabrication challenges and future research perspectives for advancing microresonator technology towards enhanced performance and broader integration.