Magnetic tuning with minimal thermal drift in high-Q microspheres coated with magnetorheological polydimethylsiloxane

Abstract

Integration of whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) resonators with high-quality factors (Q) into advanced timing, oscillator, and sensing systems demands a platform that enables precise resonance frequency modulation. This study investigates the tuning characteristics of magnetorheological polydimethylsiloxane (MR-PDMS) coated microspheres (µ-spheres) employed as magnetic microresonators, achieving a Q value of 107 at the 1550 nm wavelength. Magnetic WGM resonators not only endow the device with magnetic adjustability but also markedly improve thermal resistance. Experimental findings reveal that the magnetic µ-sphere demonstrates a sensitivity of −32.53 MHz/mT, outperforming conventional magnetic WGM resonators. Furthermore, analysis of the temperature dependence shows a reduction in fluctuation to −2.85 MHz/K, thereby greatly enhancing the sensor’s practical detection limit.