Large spectral tuning of liquid microdroplets standing on a superhydrophobic surface using optical scattering force

Abstract

We demonstrate large spectral tuning of glycerol/water microdroplets standing on a superhydrophobic surface using the optical scattering force exerted by a 1064 nm Nd(3+):YVO(4) solid-state laser. Spectral tuning up to 30 nm is presented in the whispering gallery modes as a result of the deformation of the microdroplets toward a truncated prolate spheroid geometry. Observed large spectral tuning is also reported to be highly reversible. This demonstration can inspire novel, largely tunable optical switches or filters based on liquid microdroplets kept in a sealed chamber.