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Optomechanical crystals for spatial sensing of submicron sized particles
D Navarro-Urrios1,2, E Kang3, P Xiao4
1MIND-IN2UB, Departament d'Enginyeria Electrònica i Biomèdica, Facultat de Física, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain. dnavarro@ub.edu.
Scientific Reports
|April 10, 2021
Summary
Optomechanical crystal cavities (OMCs) can detect submicrometer particles by monitoring mechanical mode frequency shifts. This method reveals particle presence, quantity, and location within the cavity.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Optomechanical crystal cavities (OMCs) offer potential for biological particle detection.
- Existing methods may require specific conditions or lack spatial resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate OMCs operating at ambient conditions as a sensor for submicrometer particles.
- To utilize frequency shifts of mechanical modes for particle analysis.
Main Methods:
- Designing OMCs with specific low modal-volume mechanical modes ('π-pinch modes').
- Optically monitoring frequency shifts of thermally activated mechanical modes.
- Correlating frequency shifts with particle deposition and location.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated OMC functionality as a sensor under ambient conditions.
- Identified specific modes sensitive to localized deformation.
- Established a method to infer particle number and position from frequency shifts.
Conclusions:
- OMCs can effectively detect and analyze submicrometer particles, including biological agents.
- The 'π-pinch' modes provide enhanced sensitivity and localization capabilities.
- This approach offers a promising label-free sensing platform for biological applications.
