Lasing goblet resonators – active microstructures for integrated biosensors

Our research in the field of resonant micro-structures aims at label-free sensing for point-of-care diagnostics. Polymer-based whispering-gallery-mode resonators are particularly well suited for low-cost, mass-producible, label-free sensor arrays, owing to their favorable properties like high sensitivity, small footprint, and hence ease of scalability. Besides medical diagnostics, these devices could also be utilized for environmental monitoring, trace-gas detection, quality control of drinking and process water, drug research, and quality assurance in food industries. The talk elaborates on the fabrication of lasing goblet resonators and their incorporation into a sensing platform including microfluidic support and microstructures that facilitate sensor read-out. We present novel polymer approaches for multifunctional active cavity materials and discuss suitable functionalization techniques for resonator surfaces with an emphasis on flexible and parallel procedures that enable large-scale integration. The talk will provide a detailed discussion of techniques based on multi-functional inks, self-referenced multi-analyte detection, and reversible functionalization techniques.