TDM-controlled ring resonator arrays for fast, fixed-wavelength optical biosensing

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Optical Sensors
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Ring resonator arrays are crucial for sensing applications.
• Existing control methods often limit sampling rates.
• Fast biological kinetic analysis requires high-speed sensor read-out.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel control concept for serial ring resonator arrays.
• To enable fast sampling rates for biological kinetics.
• To demonstrate high read-out rates without a tunable laser source.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a time-division multiplex (TDM) approach for control.
• Employed thermal tuning of the effective refractive index.
• Implemented thermo-optical multiplexing in silicon-on-insulator (SOI) ring resonator arrays.

Main Results:

• Achieved fast sampling rates suitable for biological kinetics.
• Demonstrated high read-out rates of 100 Hz for each individual ring.
• Successfully operated the system using a fixed wavelength, eliminating the need for a tunable laser.

Conclusions:

• The proposed TDM control concept offers an efficient method for high-speed sensing.
• This approach enhances the performance of SOI ring resonator arrays for kinetic studies.
• The technology facilitates rapid, label-free analysis in biological applications.