Elasto-optic transduction in polymer-cladded silicon microring arrays for real-time 2D force mapping

Real-time mapping of small forces with micrometer resolution is essential for studying soft and biological matter. However, existing techniques are slow, limited in spatial sampling or require non-planar substrates that can perturb cell behavior. Here we present silicon sensor arrays for rapid surface force mapping that operate using the elasto-optically induced wavelength shift in thin polymer-cladded optical ring resonators. Using a nano-indenter, we demonstrate that the sensor array reaches a force resolution down to 12 μN and shows a linear response. We present both a five-ring linear array and a 10×5 two-dimensional array at 15 μm pitch, and demonstrate the feasibility of localization and force mapping of a spherical nanoindentation tip. Combined measurement of forces by nano-indenter and the optical ring resonator sensor presents a methodology for calibrating this type of photonic force sensor. Moreover, good correspondence between measurements and finite element simulations provides evidence for the proposed operation mechanism. The shown combination of biocompatible claddings, strong opto-mechanical coupling, and foundry-ready photonics, presents a route towards scalable, real-time force mapping for soft-matter metrology, tactile interfaces, and in vitro mechanobiology.