Computational Investigation of Advanced Refractive Index Sensor Using 3-Dimensional Metamaterial Based Nanoantenna...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Photonics
• Plasmonics

Background:

• Advancements in nanosized manufacturing enable novel nanostructure design.
• Hybrid nanostructures integrating dielectric resonators and plasmonic components offer new opportunities.

Purpose of the Study:

• Explore the sensitivity response of hybrid coupled nanostructures with stacked lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) and Aluminum oxide (Al2O3).
• Investigate the influence of structural dimensions on sensitivity optimization.

Main Methods:

• Designed and simulated hybrid coupled nanostructured antennas with multilayer dielectric and metallic components.
• Analyzed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and electromagnetic confinement in the nanostructure gap.
• Varied structural dimensions to optimize sensor sensitivity.

Main Results:

• Achieved high sensitivity of 730 nm/RIU with LiTaO3 and 660 nm/RIU with Al2O3 in a 10-layer hybrid nanostructure.
• Demonstrated a two-fold increase in sensitivity (S) compared to single metallic nanostructures.
• Observed strong electromagnetic confinement due to SPR in the dimer separation gap.

Conclusions:

• Hybrid coupled nanostructures offer significantly enhanced sensitivity for sensing applications.
• These novel plasmonic hybrid nanostructures provide a framework for developing next-generation sensors.
• The findings compete favorably with traditional sensors of similar dimensions.