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Investigation of graphene-on-metal substrates for SPR-based sensor using finite-difference time domain
Fairus Atida Said1, Pulliyaseri Susthitha Menon2, Venkatachalam Rajendran3
1Institute of Microengineering and Nanoelectronics (IMEN), National University of Malaysia (UKM), 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
IET Nanobiotechnology
|November 21, 2017
Summary
Graphene coatings on metal thin films enhance surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor resolution. While not universally improving reflectivity, graphene can narrow the full-width-half maximum (FWHM) for specific metal films, improving sensor performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Optoelectronics
Background:
- Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) sensors are crucial for high-resolution detection.
- Enhancing SPR sensor resolution requires optimizing SPR reflectivity and minimizing the full-width-half maximum (FWHM) of the SPR curve.
- Graphene's unique properties offer potential for modifying optical characteristics of thin films.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a single-layer graphene coating on the SPR performance of various metal thin films (Ag, Au, Al, Cu).
- To evaluate how graphene affects SPR reflectivity and FWHM across different metal types and thicknesses.
- To compare the performance of graphene-coated metal films against conventional metal thin films.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method for numerical simulations.
- Verified simulation data against analytical and experimental results.
- Analyzed reflectivity and FWHM variations with different metal thin film thicknesses and the presence of graphene.
Main Results:
- Graphene coating showed varied effects on reflectivity and FWHM depending on the metal and thickness.
- A 60 nm Au film yielded high reflectivity (92.4%) and narrow FWHM (0.88°).
- A graphene-on-40 nm Ag film demonstrated a narrow FWHM (0.88°) with 89.2% reflectivity, indicating potential for improved sensor resolution.
Conclusions:
- Single-layer graphene coatings can influence SPR sensor performance, with effects varying by metal and film thickness.
- Graphene may not always increase reflectivity but can potentially narrow the FWHM for specific configurations, enhancing sensor precision.
- Graphene-on-silver thin films show promise for SPR sensing applications requiring sharp resonance features.
