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Vernier effect-based tunable mid-infrared sensor using silicon-on-insulator cascaded rings
Optics Express
|April 1, 2020
Summary
We developed novel mid-infrared photonic sensors using the Vernier effect. These thermally tunable sensors demonstrate high sensitivity for molecular detection, enabling advanced on-chip sensing applications.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Sensor Technology
- Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy
- Nanofabrication
Background:
- The Vernier effect offers a pathway to high-performance photonic sensors.
- Experimental demonstrations are lacking in the mid-infrared (MIR) range, crucial for molecular fingerprinting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally demonstrate Vernier effect-based thermally tunable photonic sensors in the MIR range.
- To investigate the impact of design parameters on sensor performance.
- To enable complex refractive index sensing for molecular analysis.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of cascaded ring resonators on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform.
- Investigation of ring radii and coupling gaps as key design parameters.
- Testing with organic liquids to measure sensor response.
Main Results:
- Observed an envelope shift of 48 nm with a sensitivity of 3000 nm/RIU upon exposure to organic liquids.
- Measured an intensity drop of 6.7 dB.
- Achieved thermal tuning sensitivity of 0.091 nm/mW.
Conclusions:
- Successfully demonstrated Vernier effect-based thermally tunable photonic sensors in the MIR range.
- The sensor exhibits high sensitivity for refractive index changes, suitable for molecular detection.
- The device opens possibilities for on-chip complex index sensing in various applications.
