Solid-state low-threshold hemispherical shell-shaped protein whispering-gallery mode laser
Protein-based whispering-gallery mode (WGM) lasers offer great potential for biosensing due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity. Here, we report a solid-state hemispherical shell-shaped protein WGM laser (hspWGM laser) made by forming silk fibroin shells on glass substrates and coating them with red fluorescent protein mCherry. The device (∼1.5 mm diameter) demonstrated stable lasing, short-term room-temperature storage, and a low lasing threshold (10.17 <i>µ</i>J/mm<sup>2</sup>). Central wavelength characteristics were tunable by adjusting device geometry. These results provide a foundation for developing biodegradable, protein-based biosensors and implantable optical devices.
Authors
- Qing Zhao (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2836-6090)
- Xiliang Peng (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8646-214X)
- Zibo Meng (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7299-7290)
- Gaoshang Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2372-8243)
- X.G. Cui
- Jiajia Meng (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3850-1436)
- Jiyang Ma (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2672-7411)
- Bowen Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5465-8786)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Optics Express
- Published
- 2025-08-29
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1364/oe.571115
- Primary Topic
- Advanced Fluorescence Microscopy Techniques
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00