1/f-noise-free optical sensing with an integrated heterodyne interferometer

Nat Commun. 2021 Mar 30;12(1):1973. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-22271-4.

Abstract

Optical evanescent sensors can non-invasively detect unlabeled nanoscale objects in real time with unprecedented sensitivity, enabling a variety of advances in fundamental physics and biological applications. However, the intrinsic low-frequency noise therein with an approximately 1/f-shaped spectral density imposes an ultimate detection limit for monitoring many paramount processes, such as antigen-antibody reactions, cell motions and DNA hybridizations. Here, we propose and demonstrate a 1/f-noise-free optical sensor through an up-converted detection system. Experimentally, in a CMOS-compatible heterodyne interferometer, the sampling noise amplitude is suppressed by two orders of magnitude. It pushes the label-free single-nanoparticle detection limit down to the attogram level without exploiting cavity resonances, plasmonic effects, or surface charges on the analytes. Single polystyrene nanobeads and HIV-1 virus-like particles are detected as a proof-of-concept demonstration for airborne biosensing. Based on integrated waveguide arrays, our devices hold great potentials for multiplexed and rapid sensing of diverse viruses or molecules.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Interferometry / instrumentation*
  • Interferometry / methods
  • Limit of Detection
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Nanotechnology / methods
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation*

Associated data

  • figshare/10.6084/m9.figshare.13643729