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High sensitivity optical biosensor based on polymer materials and using the Vernier effect
Optics Express
|December 10, 2017
Summary
We developed a polymer optical biosensor using photolithography. This Vernier effect sensor achieves high sensitivity for detecting glucose concentration changes via refractive index variations.
Area of Science:
- Polymer optics
- Optical biosensing
- Nanophotonics
Background:
- Mach-Zehnder interferometers are widely used for sensing applications.
- Polymer optical waveguides offer advantages in fabrication and cost-effectiveness.
- The Vernier effect can enhance the sensitivity of interferometric sensors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate a novel polymer optical biosensor utilizing the Vernier effect.
- To achieve high homogeneous sensitivity for refractive index measurements.
- To demonstrate the sensor's capability in detecting glucose solutions.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a SU8/PMATRIFE polymer optical biosensor using standard photolithography.
- Integration of micro-resonators on each arm of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
- Measurement of the sensor's response to varying glucose concentrations based on refractive index changes.
Main Results:
- The fabricated sensor exhibited high homogeneous sensitivity.
- Sensitivity was measured to be 17558 nm/RIU.
- A low limit of detection was achieved, estimated at 1.1 x 10-6 RIU.
Conclusions:
- The Vernier effect polymer optical biosensor demonstrates excellent performance for refractive index sensing.
- The developed sensor is suitable for high-sensitivity glucose concentration detection.
- Standard photolithography provides a viable method for fabricating such advanced optical biosensors.
