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Refractive index sensing using quasi one-dimensional nanoslit arrays
Min Hyung Lee1, Hanwei Gao, Teri W Odom
1Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3113, USA.
Nano Letters
|June 5, 2009
Summary
Quasi one-dimensional gold nanoslit arrays show tunable optical properties. These arrays can accurately measure the refractive index of unknown solutions using surface plasmon polariton Bloch wave modes.
Area of Science:
- Nanophotonics
- Plasmonics
- Optical metamaterials
Background:
- Quasi one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures offer unique optical properties.
- Surface plasmon polariton (SPP) Bloch wave modes are crucial for light manipulation in periodic nanostructures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the optical properties of 1D gold nanoslit arrays.
- To investigate the potential of these arrays for refractive index sensing.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of quasi 1D gold nanoslit arrays on a microscale pitch.
- Measurement and analysis of transmission spectra.
- Characterization of optical modes using 1D surface plasmon polariton Bloch wave theory.
Main Results:
- Transmission spectra showed multiple minima explained by 1D SPP Bloch wave modes.
- Higher-order modes exhibited a linear response to refractive index (RI) changes.
- Sensitivities reached up to 560 nm/RI unit, comparable to 2D nanohole arrays.
Conclusions:
- 1D gold nanoslit arrays possess tunable optical properties.
- The linear RI response of higher-order modes enables accurate RI determination.
- Calibrated nanoslit arrays can serve as effective sensors for nonabsorbing solutions.
