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Vertically coupled plasmonic slot waveguide cavity for localized biosensing applications.
Optics Express
|October 17, 2014
Summary
We developed a new refractive index sensor using a plasmonic slot waveguide cavity. This sensor achieves high sensitivity for detecting tiny changes in refractive index, ideal for biomolecular sensing applications.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Nanotechnology
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Integrated optical sensors are crucial for various applications.
- Plasmonic devices offer unique light-matter interaction properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and study an integrated refractive index sensor based on a plasmonic slot waveguide cavity.
- To link sensor geometry to coupling mechanisms and sensitivity.
- To assess the sensor's suitability for biomolecular sensing.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a silicon photonic wire waveguide coupled to a metal-dielectric-metal cavity.
- Performed in-depth analysis of geometrical parameters.
- Employed three-dimensional time and frequency domain simulations.
Main Results:
- Achieved high sensitivity of approximately 600 nm/RIU for local refractive index changes.
- Demonstrated measurement in a femto-liter volume.
- Observed high field enhancement in the plasmonic cavity slot.
Conclusions:
- The proposed sensor exhibits high local sensitivity to refractive index changes.
- The sensor design provides decoupling between bulk and local sensitivity.
- The sensor meets requirements for advanced biomolecular sensing.
