Monolithically integrated biosensors based on Frequency-Resolved Mach-Zehnder Interferometers for multi-analyte...

Area of Science:

• Integrated photonics
• Biosensing technologies
• Silicon photonics

Background:

• Label-free biosensing is crucial for real-time analyte detection.
• Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs) offer high sensitivity but monolithic integration challenges persist.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel Frequency-Resolved Mach-Zehnder Interferometry (FR-MZI) concept for biosensing.
• To demonstrate a fully monolithically-integrated MZI biosensor array using standard silicon technology.
• To showcase a wafer-scale microfluidic encapsulation for efficient sample delivery.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of Mach-Zehnder interferometer arrays using standard silicon technology.
• Implementation of the Frequency-Resolved Mach-Zehnder Interferometry (FR-MZI) detection principle.
• Development of a wafer-scale microfluidic system for sample handling.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of the FR-MZI concept in a biosensor.
• Detection of streptavidin binding to biotin at sub-nanomolar concentrations.
• Achieved the first experimental demonstration of a monolithically fully-integrated MZI biosensor.

Conclusions:

• The FR-MZI biosensor represents a significant advancement in integrated photonic biosensing.
• Standard silicon technology enables the fabrication of sensitive, label-free biosensor arrays.
• The developed system shows promise for sensitive and efficient analyte detection.