Ultrasensitive nanoparticle detection using a portable whispering gallery mode biosensor driven by a periodically poled lithium-niobate frequency doubled distributed feedback laser

Abstract

We demonstrate a significant reduction in the limit of label-free detection of individual viral-sized nanoparticles in aqueous solution through the use of a frequency doubled telecom laser constructed from a distributed feedback-periodically poled lithium-niobate (DFB-PPLN) union. By driving a whispering gallery mode biosensor near a wavelength of 650 nm with this device we have detected real-time adsorption steps for particles 36 nm in radius with a signal to noise ratio of 8. The noise equivalent detection limit is ∼20 ag (17 nm radius). This new lower limit is attributed to the ultralow resonance wavelength noise [(Δ λr) rms / λr < 10-9] associated with the use of the DFB-PPLN device. © 2010 American Institute of Physics.