Quantum Dot Colloidosomes as Triggerable Microlasers
Abstract Quantum dot (QD) supraparticle lasers are promising platforms for microscale light sources and photonic labeling, yet their optical properties are set during assembly. Here, we introduce QD colloidosomes, liquid-core/solid-shell supraparticles that combine whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) optical feedback with stimulus-triggered structural collapse. Intact QD colloidosomes exhibit narrow, cavity-defined emission consistent with WGM-assisted lasing from 4.2 mJ/cm2, with line widths of 2.2–3.7 nm, demonstrating light confinement without a solid core. We identify shell continuity as a critical determinant for WGM feedback and lasing by exploring a morphological continuum of suprastructures comprising solid supraparticles, colloidosomes, and microporous hollow shells. Intact colloidosomes support narrow cavity modes, whereas porous shells remain broadband even at high pump fluence. We show that colloidosomes can be driven to rupture and release payload through well-defined pathways, including meniscus-driven capillary failure, uniform heating, and localized near-infrared activation, thereby configuring their optical response from cavity-defined lasing to broadband emission. These results establish QD colloidosomes as stimuli-responsive microlasers that couple optical-state switching and triggered release within a single self-assembled platform.
Authors
- Saranya Subramanian
- Emanuele Marino (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0793-9796)
- Alice Sciortino (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8361-3002)
- Cherie R. Kagan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6540-2009)
- M. Cannas (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8236-5043)
- Ilia Yu. Geints (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5061-5885)
- Michael Engel (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7031-3825)
- Ricky Ronquillo
- Fabrizio Messina (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2130-0120)
- Marco Reale (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4831-0337)
- Giuseppe Soligno (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2360-2082)
- ClaireYejin Kang
- Cristian Gonzalez (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7639-6193)
- Christopher B. Murray
- Siyuan Yin
- Gary Chen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3503-1654)
Institutions
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (DE)
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (IT)
- University of Pennsylvania (US)
- University of Palermo (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- ACS Nano
- Published
- 2026-11-07
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.6c16809
- Primary Topic
- Photonic Crystals and Applications
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Science Foundation
- U.S. Department of Energy
- University of Pennsylvania
- European Commission
- Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca
- Office of Science
- Division of Materials Research
- Basic Energy Sciences
- HORIZON EUROPE European Research Council
- National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program