Patent ID: 7781217

Claim:
A method of detecting at least one molecule in an environment, comprising: introducing optical energy into a planar, non-spherical microcavity having a functionalized outer surface and being supported by a substrate, the substrate comprising a bottom portion, a top portion and a middle portion extending between the bottom portion and the top portion, the middle portion comprising a tapered or angled surface such that the bottom portion is wider than the top portion, an inner edge of the planar, non-spherical microcavity extending around an outer edge of the top portion of the substrate such that the substrate supports and elevates the planar, non-spherical microcavity, and an outer edge of the planar, non-spherical microcavity extending outwardly beyond a top outer edge of the substrate; and detecting at least one unlabeled molecule bound to the functionalized outer surface based on a thermo-optic interaction between the at least one molecule and an evanescent field extending beyond an outer edge of the planar, non-spherical microcavity and into the environment.