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Synthesis and Operation of Fluorescent-core Microcavities for Refractometric Sensing
Published on: March 13, 2013
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Open-access microcavities for chemical sensing.
Claire Vallance1, Aurelien A P Trichet, Dean James
1Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, 12 Mansfield Rd, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK.
Nanotechnology
|June 1, 2016
Summary
Open-access optical microcavities enable highly sensitive chemical sensing. These advanced systems can detect tiny amounts of molecules, with potential for even greater sensitivity in the future.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Chemical Sensing
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Optical microcavities offer unique properties for sensitive detection.
- Open-access designs enhance their utility in chemical sensing applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of sensing modalities using open-access optical microcavities.
- To highlight the potential for ultra-sensitive molecule detection.
Main Methods:
- Review of sensing techniques including refractive index sensing, absorption measurements, and nanoparticle manipulation.
- Utilizing the small mode volumes of optical microcavities for probing.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated detection limits of approximately 10^5 molecules for refractive index sensing.
- Achieved detection limits of around 10^2 molecules for absorption sensing.
- Successful optical tracking and trapping of nanoparticles.
Conclusions:
- Open-access optical microcavities are powerful tools for highly sensitive chemical sensing.
- The technology allows for the detection of very small numbers of molecules.
- Future improvements in microcavity design promise even lower detection limits.
