An Improved Seeker Optimization Algorithm for Phase Sensitivity Enhancement of a Franckeite- and WS₂-Based SPR...

For the purpose of detecting waterborne bacteria, a high-phase-sensitivity SPR sensor with an Ag-TiO₂-Franckeite-WS₂ hybrid structure is designed using an improved seeker optimization algorithm (ISOA). By optimizing each layer of sensor construction simultaneously, the ISOA guarantees a minimum reflectance of less than 0.01 by Ag (20.36 nm)-TiO₂ (6.08 nm)-Franckeite (monolayer)-WS₂ (bilayer) after 30 iterations for E. coli. And the optimal phase sensitivity is 2.378 × 10⁶ deg/RIU. Sensor performance and computing efficiency have been greatly enhanced using the ISOA in comparison to the traditional layer-by-layer technique and the SOA method. This will enable sensors to detect a wider range of bacteria with more efficacy. As a result, the ISOA-based design idea could provide SPR biosensors with new applications in environmental monitoring.