Abstract

Using the Maxwell electromagnetic theory, eigenmodes in a biological cell such as a spherical optical cavity consisting of a spherical medium and its interface with surrounding medium are revealed, each of which can take the form of vector spherical harmonics. The expression for the light field within the biological cell exposed to laser radiation with a planar wavefront is ascertained when taking account of these eigenmodes. Furthermore, the internal medium with absorption loss may intensely affect the light field. Finally, some properties of coherent radiation within the cell are analyzed; essential conclusions are as follows: (1) There are good eigenmodes within the cell to use as a spherical cavity with high-Q value. (2) Within the cell small, spontaneous emissions, such as incoherent spontaneous emission, superradiance and spontaneous emission, superradiance and spontaneous Raman re-scattering may be amplified. (3) With a strong internal field, it is possible that some nonlinear optical effects are induced. (4) The above-mentioned coherent radiations within the cell may be utilized for communication within the biological system; they possibly transfer genetic information.

© 1986 Optical Society of America