| abstract |
An elongated structure includes a core (D), one or more gain medium layers disposed about said core for providing a plurality of characteristic emission wavelengths (μ1, μ2, μ3), and a growth matrix of functionalized support suitable for the synthesis therein or thereon of a chemical compound. Other embodiments can be spherical, or planar with a plurality of optical gain medium dots, each providing a different emission wavelength. Also disclosed is a technique for selectively locating micro-laser beads of interest, and then aiming a laser source at the bead(s) of interest in order to interrogate the optically encoded identification information. Also disclosed is a bead that includes a functionalized support, and that further includes a gain medium coupled to a structure that supports the creation of at least one mode for electromagnetic radiation, and/or which has a dimension or length in one or more directions for producing and supporting amplified spontaneous emission (ASE). |