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Near-infrared on-chip hollow-core waveguide C2H2 sensing using hybrid chalcogenide/PDMS anti-resonant reflecting
Optics Express
|March 18, 2026
Summary
We created a novel hybrid hollow-core waveguide for acetylene (C2H2) detection. This advanced sensor offers enhanced gas absorption and a broad operating bandwidth, paving the way for miniaturized gas sensing applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optical Engineering
- Chemical Sensing
Background:
- Developing high-performance waveguides is crucial for sensitive gas detection.
- Existing methods often face limitations in operating bandwidth and light-gas interaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and fabricate a hybrid chalcogenide glass (ChG)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) anti-resonant reflecting optical waveguide (ARROW) for enhanced C2H2 detection.
- To improve operating bandwidth and gas absorption efficiency for near-infrared absorption spectroscopy.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication involved plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), thermal evaporation, and one-step lithography.
- Utilized ChG/SiO2 and RN-218/air anti-resonant bilayers with PDMS upper cladding.
- Employed intensity modulation spectroscopy (IMS) for detection.
Main Results:
- Achieved external confinement factors of 101.9%.
- Demonstrated a limit of detection of 25.13 parts-per-million (ppm) for C2H2.
- Exceeded 200 nm anti-resonant bandwidth.
Conclusions:
- The hybrid hollow-core ARROW waveguide significantly enhances light-gas interaction and operating bandwidth.
- The developed sensor shows high potential for miniaturized, on-chip gas sensing applications.
- Simplified fabrication process contributes to practical implementation.
