Recent Progress in Fiber Optofluidic Lasing and Sensing

Fiber optofluidic laser (FOFL) integrates optical fiber microcavity and microfluidic channel and provides many unique advantages for sensing applications. FOFLs not only inherit the advantages of lasers such as high sensitivity, high signal-to-noise ratio, and narrow linewidth, but also hold the unique features of optical fiber, including ease of integration, high repeatability, and low cost. With the development of new fiber structures and fabrication technologies, FOFLs become an important branch of optical fiber sensors, especially for application in biochemical detection. In this paper, the recent progress on FOFL is reviewed. We focuse mainly on the optical fiber resonators, gain medium, and the emerging sensing applications. The prospects for FOFL are also discussed. We believe that the FOFL sensor provides a promising technology for biomedical analysis and environmental monitoring.

Automated summary

Fiber optofluidic laser (FOFL) combines the advantages of optical fiber microcavity and microfluidic channel, providing high sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio, and ease of integration. With advancements in fiber structures and fabrication technologies, FOFL has become a crucial branch of optical fiber sensors, particularly in biochemical detection. The FOFL sensor holds promising potential for biomedical analysis and environmental monitoring.