Evanescent field response to immunoassay layer thickness on planar waveguides

The response of a compact photonic immunoassay biosensor based on a planar waveguide to variation in antigen (C-reactive protein) concentration as well as waveguide ridge height has been investigated. Near-field scanning optical microscope measurements indicate 1.7%nm and 3.3%nm top surface optical intensity modulation due to changes in effective adlayer thickness on waveguides with 16.5 and 10 nm ridge heights, respectively. Beam propagation method simulations are in good agreement with the experimental sensitivities as well as the observation of leaky mode interference both within and after the adlayer region.