Selecting a Proper Microsphere to Combine Optical Trapping with Microsphere-Assisted Microscopy

Super-Resolution Real Imaging in Microsphere-Assisted Microscopy

Microsphere-assisted microscopy has received a lot of attention recently due to its simplicity and its capability to surpass the diffraction limit. However, to date, sub-diffraction-limit features have only been observed in virtual images formed through the microspheres. We show that it is possible to form real, super-resolution images using high-refractive index microspheres. Also, we report o...

Enhanced coupling to microsphere resonances with optical fibers

Morphology-dependent resonances (MDR’s) of polystyrene microspheres were excited by an optical fiber coupler. For optical elimination of the air–cladding interface at the optical fiber coupler surface, the microsphere was immersed in an index-matching oil. MDR’s were observed, even though the relative refractive index between the microsphere and the oil was only 1.09. The observed MDR spectra a...

Microsphere and Fiber Optics based Optical Sensors

Ultimate Q of optical microsphere resonators.

We demonstrate the quality factor Q - (0.8 +/- 0.1) x 10(10) of whispering-gallery modes in fused-silica microspheres at 633 nm, close to the ultimate level determined by fundamental material attenuation as measured in optical fibers. The lifetime of ultimate Q is limited by adsorption of atmospheric water. Monitoring of adsorption kinetics with submonolayer sensitivity by Q factors and frequen...

Design and Applications of Optical Microsphere Resonators