An ultra-sensitive surface plasmon resonance biosensor with PtSe₂ and BlueP/WS₂ heterostructure

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Biosensing

Background:

• Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) biosensors are crucial for label-free detection.
• Developing novel heterostructures enhances biosensor performance.
• Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDCs) offer unique electronic and optical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and simulate a novel SPR biosensor.
• To utilize a Platinum diselenide (PtSe2) and Blue Phosphorus/tungsten disulfide (BlueP/WS2) heterostructure.
• To optimize the biosensor for high sensitivity, quality factor, accuracy, and low limit of detection (LOD).

Main Methods:

• Finite Element Method (FEM) based COMSOL Multiphysics software for simulation.
• Design of a five-layered heterostructure: BK7 prism, gold, PtSe2, BlueP/WS2, and sensing medium.
• Performance optimization through simulation parameter tuning.

Main Results:

• Achieved maximum sensitivity of 234 deg/RIU.
• Obtained a quality factor of 390 RIU⁻¹.
• Demonstrated detection accuracy of 7.8 deg⁻¹ and a low LOD of 4.26 × 10⁻⁶.
• Validated rapid detection of analytes within the refractive index range of 1.330-1.350.

Conclusions:

• The proposed PtSe2/BlueP/WS2 heterostructure SPR biosensor offers a rapid, sensitive, label-free, and reliable platform for early detection.
• FEM simulations confirm the biosensor's capability for precise detection of biomolecules and pathogens.
• This advanced heterostructure design holds significant promise for future biosensing applications.