Enhanced detection limit by dark mode perturbation in 2D photonic crystal slab refractive index sensors

Opt Express. 2013 Dec 16;21(25):31698-712. doi: 10.1364/OE.21.031698.

Abstract

We demonstrate for the first time a 300nm thick, 300μm × 300μm 2D dielectric photonic crystal slab membrane with a quality factor of 10,600 by coupling light to slightly perturbed dark modes through alternating nano-hole sizes. The newly created fundamental guided resonances greatly reduce nano-fabrication accuracy requirements. Moreover, we created a new layer architecture resulting in electric field enhancement at the interface between the slab and sensing regions, and spectral sensitivity of >800 nm/RIU, that is, >0.8 of the single-mode theoretical upper limit of spectral sensitivity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Photometry / instrumentation*
  • Refractometry / instrumentation*
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance / instrumentation*