Photonic Microsensor Based on a ZnO Nanowire Grown by Mist Chemical Vapor Deposition

A photonic microsensor is demonstrated using a ZnO nanowire grown by mist chemical vapor deposition, which is a low-cost, low-environmental-impact crystal growth technique. The length and diameter of the evaluated ZnO nanowire are 13.5 mu m and 600-750 nm, respectively. Under optically pumped conditions, the ZnO nanowire exhibits lasing action owing to its optical microcavity. To evaluate the sensing operation, the shift in the lasing peaks with and without a NaCl microparticle attached to the side of the ZnO nanowire is focused on. In addition, the resonant system and sensing performance of the ZnO nanowire based on the results and numerical simulations are discussed.