Detection of quantum-dot labeled proteins using soft glass microstructured optical fibers

This paper was published in Optics Express and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of OSA. The paper can be found at the following URL on the OSA website: http://www.opticsinfobase.org/abstract.cfm?URI=oe-15-26-17819. Systematic or multiple reproduction or distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law.The detection of quantum-dot labeled proteins is demonstrated within lead silicate soft glass microstructured optical fibers using near infrared light. The protein concentration is measured using a new fluorescence capture approach. Light guided within the fiber is used both to excite and collect fluorescent photons, and the detection limit achieved without optimization of the fiber geometry is 1 nM, using just 3% of the guided mode of the fiber. Issues that currently restrict the detection of lower protein concentrations are discussed.Yinlan Ruan, Erik P. Schartner, Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem, Peter Hoffmann and Tanya M. Monr