Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
09:03
A Silicon-tipped Fiber-optic Sensing Platform with High Resolution and Fast Response
Published on: January 7, 2019
Surface plasmon interferometer in silicon-on-insulator: novel concept for an integrated biosensor
Peter Debackere1, Stijn Scheerlinck, Peter Bienstman
1Photonics Research Group, Dept. of Information Technology, Ghent University-IMEC, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 41, 9000 Gent, Belgium. Peter.Debackere@intec.UGent.be
Optics Express
|June 17, 2009
Summary
We developed a novel optical biosensor using a surface plasmon interferometer for highly sensitive detection. This device can detect minute refractive index changes, making it ideal for various sensing applications.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Sensor Technology
- Nanotechnology and Materials Science
Background:
- Optical biosensors are crucial for detecting biological and chemical analytes.
- Existing sensors often face limitations in sensitivity and integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and simulate a novel, highly integrated, and sensitive optical biosensor configuration.
- To demonstrate the potential for detecting minute refractive index changes.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a surface plasmon interferometer based on a gold layer in a silicon membrane.
- Employing eigenmode expansion simulations to analyze sensor performance.
Main Results:
- Projected detection of refractive index changes as low as 10(-6) RIU.
- Demonstrated tunability of the operation wavelength across various environmental refractive indices.
Conclusions:
- The proposed surface plasmon interferometer offers high sensitivity and wavelength tunability.
- The device is suitable for diverse chemo- and biosensing applications.
