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Birefringent porous silicon membranes for optical sensing
Jesús Alvarez1, Paolo Bettotti, Isaac Suárez
1UMDO, Materials Science Institute, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain. jesus.alvarez@uv.es
Optics Express
|January 26, 2012
Summary
Anisotropic porous silicon shows high sensitivity for optical sensing. Oxidation effects on silicon membranes are crucial for accurate theoretical models and long-term stability in sensing applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optoelectronics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Anisotropic porous silicon (aPS) is a promising material for optical sensing applications.
- Understanding environmental effects, such as silicon oxidation, is crucial for accurate sensor performance modeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate anisotropic porous silicon as a material for optical sensing.
- To thoroughly study the birefringence and sensitivity of aPS membranes.
- To extend the Bruggeman model to include environmental effects like oxidation.
Main Methods:
- Optical characterization of aPS membranes.
- Application of an extended Bruggeman model incorporating oxidation effects.
- Development of a new model for depolarization sources.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated high sensitivity of aPS membranes up to 1245 nm/RIU at 1500 nm.
- Experimental sensitivity values agree with theory only when silicon oxidation is considered.
- Oxidized aPS membranes exhibit long-term optical parameter stability.
Conclusions:
- Anisotropic porous silicon is a viable material for optical sensing.
- Silicon oxidation significantly impacts the optical sensing performance and requires consideration in theoretical models.
- Oxidized aPS offers stable optical parameters for reliable sensing applications.
