On-Chip Array Fluorescent Sensor for High-Sensitivity Multi-Gas Detection

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Chemical Sensing
• Materials Science

Background:

• Fluorescence array sensors offer high sensitivity but often suffer from complex, bulky designs, limiting miniaturization and cost-effectiveness.
• Photonic integration technology presents a viable solution for developing low-cost, miniaturized sensor arrays due to its high integration capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, miniaturized fluorescence array sensor utilizing silicon nitride photonic integration.
• To achieve lab-on-chip functionality for efficient gas detection with enhanced sensitivity and reduced cross-reactivity.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a fluorescence array sensor on a silicon nitride photonic integration platform.
• Integration of a microfluidic channel for streamlined gas sample delivery and detection.
• Utilizing high dimensionality and sensitivity of fluorescence arrays for volatile organic compound (VOC) identification.

Main Results:

• The sensor accurately identified six types of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Achieved a low detection limit of 2.8 ppb for N-methylphenethylamine (MPEA).
• Demonstrated high precision in detecting MPEA within complex perfume mixtures, showcasing robustness.

Conclusions:

• The silicon nitride photonic integration platform enables the development of compact, cost-effective, and highly sensitive fluorescence array gas sensors.
• This technology facilitates lab-on-chip gas detection and allows for array expansion without increasing sensor volume.
• The developed sensor shows significant potential for integrated, miniaturized gas sensing applications with improved performance.