Open AccessComputational investigation of nanohole array based SPR sensing using phase shift
Author(s) -
Taotao Yang,
H.P. Ho
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.17.011205
Subject(s) - refractive index , surface plasmon resonance , materials science , optics , dynamic range , surface plasmon , sensitivity (control systems) , phase (matter) , plasmon , extraordinary optical transmission , signal (programming language) , refractometry , optoelectronics , surface plasmon polariton , nanotechnology , computer science , electronic engineering , physics , nanoparticle , engineering , quantum mechanics , programming language
We present a new high spatial resolution sensor for monitoring refractive index variations caused by binding of organic and biological molecules to the metallic surface containing arrays of nanoholes. Signal transduction is provided through detecting the optical phase change in the extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) effected by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). These 2D nanoholes are well suited for the sensor chip format in which high dense integration is readily achievable. While the sensor operates at normal illumination, practical implementation of the sensor is much easier in comparison to the traditional Kretschmann arrangement for SPR sensing. Various design parameters of the device have been studied by simulation. Our results indicate that the scheme has a shot-noise limited sensitivity threshold of 4.37 x 10(-9) refractive index units (RIU) and a dynamic range of 0.17 RIU, which compare favorably with typical SPR sensors, particularly in terms of achieving high resolution and wide dynamic range sensor attributes. The phase change is also quite linear over the entire refractive index detection range.