Open AccessPolymeric slot waveguide interferometer for sensor applications
Author(s) -
Marianne Hiltunen,
Jussi Hiltunen,
Pauline Stenberg,
Sanna Aikio,
Lauri Kurki,
Pasi Vahimaa,
Pentti Karioja
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.22.007229
Subject(s) - interferometry , optics , refractive index , materials science , interference (communication) , wavelength , waveguide , polarization (electrochemistry) , optoelectronics , physics , telecommunications , computer science , channel (broadcasting) , chemistry
A refractive index sensor based on slot waveguide Young interferometer was developed in this work. The interferometer was fabricated on a polymer platform and operates at a visible wavelength of 633 nm. The phase shift of the interference pattern was measured with various concentrations of glucose-water solutions, utilizing both TE and TM polarization states. The sensor was experimentally observed to detect a refractive index difference of 6.4 × 10(-6) RIU. Furthermore, the slot Young interferometer was found to compensate for temperature variations. The results of this work demonstrate that high performance sensing capability can be obtained with a polymeric slot Young interferometer, which can be fabricated by a simple molding process.