Surface scattering and opto-mechanical effects in droplet microresonators

A. Giorgini; S. Avino; P. Malara; P. De Natale; G. Gagliardi

doi:10.1117/12.2286324

16 February 2018 Surface scattering and opto-mechanical effects in droplet microresonators

A. Giorgini, S. Avino, P. Malara, P. De Natale, G. Gagliardi

Proceedings Volume 10518, Laser Resonators, Microresonators, and Beam Control XX; 105180S (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2286324
Event: SPIE LASE, 2018, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Optical whispering-gallery modes (WGMs) have been extensively investigated in solid micro-cavities of various geometries and materials demonstrating impressive quality (Q) factors. The peculiarity of WGMs supported by such solid structures is that they can be excited via evanescent-wave coupling while resonant light travels along closed paths at the boundary between the surface of the resonator and the surrounding environment. Here, we use micro-cavities made directly from small, vertically-suspended liquid droplets realizing excitation of their whispering-gallery modes by free-space laser beams and demonstrating laser-frequency locking on corresponding optical resonances with various liquids for sensing applications. From direct cavity photon lifetime measurements, we show intrinsic optical Q-factors > 10⁷ for highly-transparent liquid polymers in the visible, that may be limited by scattering due to thermal-induced surface distortions and residual optical absorption. On the other hand, the interaction between light and mechanical motion is also investigated in these droplets. Based on our recent experimental results, liquid microresonators exhibit interesting properties that potentially allow for optical stimulation of mechanical vibrations.

Citation Download Citation

A. Giorgini, S. Avino, P. Malara, P. De Natale, and G. Gagliardi "Surface scattering and opto-mechanical effects in droplet microresonators", Proc. SPIE 10518, Laser Resonators, Microresonators, and Beam Control XX, 105180S (16 February 2018); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2286324

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KEYWORDS

Liquids

Microresonators

Scattering

Absorption

Capillaries

Light scattering

Optical microcavities

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