Developments in organic lasers and their role in sensing

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a technical insight into recent developments in organic lasers and their applications to sensing.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a review of progress in organic lasers, this paper considers a number of recent sensor developments based on this technology. Finally, future prospects are briefly considered.

Findings

This shows that organic lasers are the tropic of a major research effort. The broad aims are to reduce the optical pumping power and ultimately to achieve purely electrical operation. Few sensors based on organic lasers have yet been reported but recent examples include explosive vapour detectors, lab‐on‐a‐chip devices and biosensors.

Originality/value

This paper provides a review of organic laser developments and sensors that exploit this technology.

Citation

Bogue, R. (2011), "Developments in organic lasers and their role in sensing", Sensor Review, Vol. 31 No. 1, pp. 13-17. https://doi.org/10.1108/02602281111099035