Distributed feedback lasers based on perylenediimide dyes for label-free refractive index sensing

The refractive index sensing capabilitity of distributed feedback (DFB) lasers based on highly photostable (under ambient conditions) perylenediimide-based active films, are reported. The sensor bulk sensitivity is determined from changes in the laser emission wavelength upon exposure to different liquids. The role of the active film thickness (h(f)) on the sensor sensitivity and on the laser parameters is studied. Sensors based on very thin films (h(f) =160 nm) show the highest sensitivities, but their laser thresholds are relatively high and their operational durabilities moderate. The use of thicker films (h(f) = 850nm) allows reducing the laser threshold and increasing the durability by two orders of magnitude. In this case, a higher sensitivity is achieved when the sensor operates at the wavelength corresponding to the first-order TE1 mode, instead of at the TE0 one. Finally, it is also shown that the inclusion of a high refractive index TiO2 layer on top of the sensor structure improves the sensitivity by around two times. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.