Second-order correlation function supported optical sensing for particle detection

We propose a new sensing method based on the measurement of the second-order autocorrelation of the output of micro- and nanolasers with intensity feedback. The sensing function is implemented through the feedback-induced threshold shift, whose photon statistics is controlled by the feedback level in a characteristic way for different laser sizes. The specific response offers performances which can be adapted to different kinds of sensors. We propose the implementation of two schemes capable of providing a quantitative sensing signal and covering a broad range of feedback levels: one is utilizing the evolution of g(2)(0), the other one is the ratio between central and side peaks in g(2)(τ). Laser-threshold-based sensing could, thanks to its potential sensitivity, gain relevance in biomolecular diagnostics and security monitoring.