Magnetorheological polydimethylsiloxane micro-optical resonator.

We investigate the possibility of using magnetorheological polydimethylsiloxane (MR-PDMS) spheres as micro-optical resonators. In particular, the effect of a magnetic field on the whispering gallery modes (WGM) of these resonators is studied. The applied field induces mechanical deformation, causing shifts in the WGM. The microspheres are made of PDMS with embedded magnetically polarizable particles. An analysis is carried out to estimate the WGM shifts induced by an external magnetic field. An experiment is also carried out to demonstrate the magnetic field-induced WGM shifts in an MR-PDMS microsphere. The results indicate that MR-PDMS microspheres can be used as high-Q-factor tunable optical cavities with potential applications in sensing.