Microsecond All-Optical Modulation by Biofunctionalized Porous Silicon Microcavity

We successfully created a composite photonic structure out of porous silicon (PSi) microcavities doped by the photochromic protein, photoactive yellow protein (PYP). Massive incorporation of the protein molecules into the pores was substantiated by a 30 nm shift of the resonance dip upon functionalization, and light-induced reflectance changes of the device due to the protein photocycle were recorded. Model calculations for the photonic properties of the device were consistent with earlier results on the nonlinear optical properties of the protein, whose degree of incorporation into the PSi structure was also estimated. The successful proof-of-concept results are discussed in light of possible practical applications in the future.

Automated summary

We created a composite photonic structure by using porous silicon microcavities doped with the photochromic protein, photoactive yellow protein (PYP). The incorporation of protein molecules into the pores was confirmed by a 30 nm shift in resonance dip and observable changes in device reflectance due to the protein photocycle. Model calculations and estimation of the degree of protein incorporation were consistent with previous research on the protein's nonlinear optical properties. The successful results are discussed in terms of potential practical applications in the future.