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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 10, 2026

Implementation of a Reference Interferometer for Nanodetection
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Microfluidic-Integrated, Ring-Resonator-Assisted Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (μFRA-MZI) as a Label-Free Nanophotonic

Yunju Chang1, Ethan Glenn Seutter1, Zihao Wang2

  • 1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.

Biosensors
|November 26, 2025
PubMed
Summary

A novel microfluidic-integrated ring-assisted Mach-Zehnder interferometer (μFRA-MZI) enables label-free biosensing without surface chemical modification. This nanophotonic biosensor demonstrates high sensitivity and direct sample delivery for robust molecular detection.

Keywords:
Mach–Zehnder interferometermicrofluidicsphotonic biosensorring resonator

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Area of Science:

  • Nanophotonics
  • Biosensing
  • Optical Interferometry

Background:

  • Ring-assisted Mach-Zehnder interferometers (RA-MZI) are sensitive, fast label-free biosensors.
  • Conventional RA-MZI biosensors require surface chemical modification for biomolecule immobilization, complicating fabrication and use.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a microfluidic-integrated RA-MZI (μFRA-MZI) for label-free biosensing.
  • To enable direct sample delivery to the RA-MZI without surface modification.
  • To optimize μFRA-MZI design parameters for enhanced sensitivity and performance.

Main Methods:

  • Fabrication of a μFRA-MZI with an integrated microfluidic channel positioned above the photonic ring resonator.
  • Systematic variation of design parameters: gap distance (Gring), multi-mode interferometer length (LMMI), and directional coupler length (LDC).
  • Photonic characterization and testing with NaCl solutions to determine bulk sensitivity and extinction ratio (ER).

Main Results:

  • The optimized μFRA-MZI device (Gring = 1.2 μm, LMMI = 15.5 μm, LDC = 13.5 μm) showed the highest extinction ratio, consistent with simulations.
  • Achieved a bulk sensitivity of 11.48 nm/RIU and an ER of 0.41 when tested with NaCl solutions.
  • Demonstrated label-free detection through resonance wavelength shifts induced by target molecules.

Conclusions:

  • The μFRA-MZI offers a robust and effective platform for label-free biosensing.
  • Direct sample delivery without surface modification simplifies the biosensing process.
  • Potential for further sensitivity improvements makes μFRA-MZI a promising technology for advanced biosensing applications.