Surface Plasmonic Sensors: Sensing Mechanism and Recent Applications

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Nanotechnology
• Sensing Technologies

Background:

• Surface plasmonic sensors leverage surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) for high sensitivity.
• These sensors are crucial for applications in biology, chemistry, and environmental monitoring.
• Commercial applications of plasmonic sensors are expanding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent progress in surface plasmonic sensor technology.
• To focus on planar metastructure and optical-fiber waveguide configurations.
• To discuss emerging areas like quantum plasmonic sensing.

Main Methods:

• Review of optical sensors utilizing LSPR, hyperbolic dispersion, Fano resonance, and 2D materials in metastructures.
• Summary of optical-fiber sensors incorporating LSPR/SPR structures and 2D materials.
• Exploration of quantum plasmonic sensing principles.

Main Results:

• Detailed overview of advanced plasmonic sensor designs in metastructures and optical fibers.
• Integration of 2D materials significantly enhances sensor performance.
• Progress in quantum plasmonic sensing offers sensitivity beyond classical limits.

Conclusions:

• Surface plasmonic sensors, particularly those using metastructures and optical fibers, show significant advancements.
• The integration of novel materials and quantum phenomena promises future breakthroughs in sensing.
• Continued research is essential to address challenges and unlock new opportunities in plasmonic sensing.