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Terahertz Microfluidic Sensing Using a Parallel-plate Waveguide Sensor
Published on: August 30, 2012
Planar waveguide tilted Bragg grating refractometer fabricated through physical micromachining and direct UV writing
Christopher Holmes1, Lewis G Carpenter, Helen L Rogers
1Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK. chh@orc.soton.ac.uk
Optics Express
|July 1, 2011
Summary
Researchers developed a novel planar refractometer using rapid prototyping. This device offers comparable sensitivity to fiber-based sensors with advantages for integrated optics.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Bragg grating refractometers are crucial for sensing applications.
- Fiber-based devices are common but lack integration capabilities.
- Planar optical devices offer advantages for miniaturization and integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel planar refractometer using rapid prototyping techniques.
- To demonstrate the effectiveness of a laterally-tilted Bragg grating in a planar geometry.
- To compare the performance of the planar device with existing fiber-based refractometers.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a tilted Bragg grating in a silica-on-silicon substrate using dual beam direct UV writing (DUW).
- Lateral cladding mode confinement achieved through micromachining trenches.
- Characterization of the device as a refractometer.
Main Results:
- Successful construction of a laterally-tilted Bragg grating refractometer in a planar geometry.
- Demonstrated comparable sensitivity to traditional fiber-based tilted Bragg grating refractometers.
- Highlighted advantages of planar integration for optical sensing.
Conclusions:
- The novel planar refractometer is an effective sensing device.
- The developed fabrication technique enables advanced optical device construction.
- Planar integration offers a promising pathway for future refractometer development.
