Tunable Fano Resonance in Asymmetric MIM Waveguide Structure

A single-mode tunable plasmonic sensor based on an 8-shaped resonator for cancer cell detection

In this paper, a novel 8-shaped resonator coupled to metal-insulator-metal waveguides is used for designing plasmonic filters and sensors. The resonator supports two resonance modes, which result in peaks in the transmission spectrum of the structure. A Q-factor of 247.4 which can reach up to 270 at the wavelength of 1187.5 nm is observed. By placing vertical and horizontal metal blades in the resonator, two tunable single-mode plasmonic filters are obtained at the first and second resonance modes, respectively. The effect of structural parameters on the transmission spectrum is investigated using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. Based on the obtained results, the proposed plasmonic structure can be used for biosensing applications such as the detection of basal cancer cells with a sensitivity of 1200 nm/RIU. It is of great significance that both the sensitivity and Q-factor values for the proposed structure are higher than most recent sensors reported in the literature. Therefore, the proposed structure is a potentially promising candidate for filtering and sensing applications.

A Review on Photonic Sensing Technologies: Status and Outlook

In contemporary science and technology, photonic sensors are essential. They may be made to be extremely resistant to some physical parameters while also being extremely sensitive to other physical variables. Most photonic sensors may be incorporated on chips and operate with CMOS technology, making them suitable for use as extremely sensitive, compact, and affordable sensors. Photonic sensors can detect electromagnetic (EM) wave changes and convert them into an electric signal due to the photoelectric effect. Depending on the requirements, scientists have found ways to develop photonic sensors based on several interesting platforms. In this work, we extensively review the most generally utilized photonic sensors for detecting vital environmental parameters and personal health care. These sensing systems include optical waveguides, optical fibers, plasmonics, metasurfaces, and photonic crystals. Various aspects of light are used to investigate the transmission or reflection spectra of photonic sensors. In general, resonant cavity or grating-based sensor configurations that work on wavelength interrogation methods are preferred, so these sensor types are mostly presented. We believe that this paper will provide insight into the novel types of available photonic sensors.

Ultra-compact all-optical plasmonic switch for three telecommunication windows using a nonlinear Kerr material and Fano resonance

In this study, an all-optical plasmonic switch based on a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide coupled to two rectangular cavities that are perpendicularly connected to each other through a vertical stub is proposed and analyzed both theoretically and numerically. Rectangular cavities are filled with a nonlinear Kerr material, and the switching operation is achieved by applying a high-intensity pump input into the MIM waveguide to obtain nonlinear cross-phase modulation (XPM) effect. The proposed structure is designed so that it can realize the switching operation at each of the three telecommunication windows of 850, 1310, and 1550 nm. Realizing the switching operation at these three wavelength bands is accomplished by the Fano resonance. In fact, the Fano resonance is utilized to create a band-stop area that is crucial for building a suitable OFF state for the switching operation at two of the three telecommunication windows of 1310 and 1550 nm. The theoretical and numerical results are obtained using the transmission-line model (TLM) and the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method, respectively, the results of which comply well. The proposed ultra-compact all-optical switch has significant applications in photonic integrated circuits (PICs).

A Review of Photonic Sensors Based on Ring Resonator Structures: Three Widely Used Platforms and Implications of Sensing Applications

Optical ring resonators (RRs) are a novel sensing device that has recently been developed for several sensing applications. In this review, RR structures based on three widely explored platforms, namely silicon-on-insulator (SOI), polymers, and plasmonics, are reviewed. The adaptability of these platforms allows for compatibility with different fabrication processes and integration with other photonic components, providing flexibility in designing and implementing various photonic devices and systems. Optical RRs are typically small, making them suitable for integration into compact photonic circuits. Their compactness allows for high device density and integration with other optical components, enabling complex and multifunctional photonic systems. RR devices realized on the plasmonic platform are highly attractive, as they offer extremely high sensitivity and a small footprint. However, the biggest challenge to overcome is the high fabrication demand related to such nanoscale devices, which limits their commercialization.

C-band operating plasmonic sensor with a high Q-factor/figure of merit based on a silicon nano-ring

In this paper, we take advantage of the high refractive index property of silicon to design a practical and sensitive plasmonic sensor on a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) platform. It has been demonstrated that a label-free refractive index sensor with sensitivity up to 1124 nm/RIU can be obtained using a simple design of a silicon nano-ring with a concentric hexagonal plasmonic cavity. It has also been shown that, with optimum structural parameters, a quality factor (Q-factor) of 307 and a figure of merit (FOM) of 234R I U ^-1 can be achieved, which are approximately 8 times and 5 times higher than the proposed sensors counterparts, respectively. In addition, the resonance mode of the hexagonal cavity with Si nano-ring (HCS) sensor can be adjusted to operate in the C-band, which is a highly desirable wavelength range in terms of compatibility with devices in PIC technology.

Multiparameter Sensing Based on Tunable Fano Resonances in MIM Waveguide Structure with Square-Ring and Triangular Cavities

In this paper, a metal–insulator–metal (MIM) surface plasmon waveguide structure is proposed and numerically investigated. It is composed of a square-ring cavity with a silver baffle, an isosceles triangle cavity, and a bus waveguide with a silver baffle. The results show that the structure can produce triple Fano resonances that can be independently tuned by changing the structural parameters. The detection of refractive indexes at different positions in the structure was also accomplished, with a maximum sensitivity of 2259.56 nm/RIU. On the basis of this, the simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters (plasma concentration and glucose concentration) was performed. The numerical simulation results are beneficial to the applications of MIM waveguide structure in nanosensing and biosensing with time-sharing or simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters.

A Numerical Investigation of a Plasmonic Sensor Based on a Metal-Insulator-Metal Waveguide for Simultaneous Detection of Biological Analytes and Ambient Temperature

A multipurpose plasmonic sensor design based on a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide is numerically investigated in this paper. The proposed design can be instantaneously employed for biosensing and temperature sensing applications. The sensor consists of two simple resonant cavities having a square and circular shape, with the side coupled to an MIM bus waveguide. For biosensing operation, the analytes can be injected into the square cavity while a thermo-optic polymer is deposited in the circular cavity, which provides a shift in resonance wavelength according to the variation in ambient temperature. Both sensing processes work independently. Each cavity provides a resonance dip at a distinct position in the transmission spectrum of the sensor, which does not obscure the analysis process. Such a simple configuration embedded in the single-chip can potentially provide a sensitivity of 700 nm/RIU and -0.35 nm/°C for biosensing and temperature sensing, respectively. Furthermore, the figure of merit (FOM) for the biosensing module and temperature sensing module is around 21.9 and 0.008, respectively. FOM is the ratio between the sensitivity of the device and width of the resonance dip. We suppose that the suggested sensor design can be valuable in twofold ways: (i) in the scenarios where the testing of the biological analytes should be conducted in a controlled temperature environment and (ii) for reducing the influence on ambient temperature fluctuations on refractometric measurements in real-time mode.

High Sensitivity Plasmonic Sensor Based on Fano Resonance with Inverted U-Shaped Resonator

Herein, we propose a tunable plasmonic sensor with Fano resonators in an inverted U-shaped resonator. By manipulating the sharp asymmetric Fano resonance peaks, a high-sensitivity refractive index sensor can be realized. Using the multimode interference coupled-mode theory and the finite element method, we numerically simulate the influences of geometrical parameters on the plasmonic sensor. Optimizing the structure parameters, we can achieve a high plasmonic sensor with the maximum sensitivity for 840 nm/RIUand figure of merit for 3.9 × 105. The research results provide a reliable theoretical basis for designing high sensitivity to the next generation plasmonic nanosensor.

A Nanostructure with Defect Based on Fano Resonance for Application on Refractive-Index and Temperature Sensing

Herein, a nanosensor structure is proposed, which comprises metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide with stub and circular ring cavity with a stub (CRCS). The phenomenon of Fano resonance appears in the transmission spectrum, which is formed by interaction between the narrowband mode of CRCS and broadband mode of stub on bus waveguide. The influence of geometric asymmetry on mode splitting of Fano resonance was discussed. The mode splitting of Fano resonance can vastly improve figure of merit (FOM) with a sight decrease of sensitivity. The best performance of the refractive-index nanosensor is attained, which is 1420 nm/RIU with a high FOM of 76.76. Additionally, the application of designed structure on temperature sensing was investigated, which has sensitivity of 0.8 nm/°C. The proposed structure also possesses potential applications on other on-chip nanosensors.

Plasmonic nanosensor based on multiple independently tunable Fano resonances

A novel refractive index nanosensor with compound structures is proposed in this paper. It consists of three different kinds of resonators and two stubs which are side-coupled to a metal-dielectric-metal (MDM) waveguide. By utilizing numerical investigation with the finite element method (FEM), the simulation results show that the transmission spectrum of the nanosensor has as many as five sharp Fano resonance peaks. Due to their different resonance mechanisms, each resonance peak can be independently tuned by adjusting the corresponding parameters of the structure. In addition, the sensitivity of the nanosensor is found to be up to 1900 nm/RIU. For practical application, a legitimate combination of various different components, such as T-shaped, ring, and split-ring cavities, has been proposed which dramatically reduces the nanosensor dimensions without sacrificing performance. These design concepts pave the way for the construction of compact on-chip plasmonic structures, which can be widely applied to nanosensors, optical splitters, filters, optical switches, nonlinear photonic and slow-light devices.

Fano Resonance in a MIM Waveguide with Two Triangle Stubs Coupled with a Split-Ring Nanocavity for Sensing Application

Herein, a compact refractive index nanosensor comprising a metal- insulator- metal (MIM) waveguide with symmetric two triangle stubs coupled with a circular split-ring resonance cavity (CSRRC) is theoretically presented. An analysis of the propagation characteristics of the designed structure is discussed employing the finite element method (FEM). The calculation results revealed that a Fano resonance outline emerged, which results from an interaction between the continuous broadband state of the waveguide with two symmetric triangle stubs and the discrete narrowband state of the CSRRC. The influence of geometric parameters on sensing properties was studied in detail. The maximum sensitivity reached 1500 nm/RIU with a high figure of merit of 65.2. The presented structure has great applications for on-chip plasmonic nanosensors.

A Plasmonic Chip-Scale Refractive Index Sensor Design Based on Multiple Fano Resonances

In this paper, multiple Fano resonances preferred in the refractive index sensing area are achieved based on sub-wavelength metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguides. Two slot cavities, which are placed between or above the MIM waveguides, can support the bright modes or the dark modes, respectively. Owing to the mode interferences, dual Fano resonances with obvious asymmetrical spectral responses are achieved. High sensitivity and high figure of merit are investigated by using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. In view of the development of chip-scale integrated photonics, two extra slot cavities are successively added to the structure, and consequently, three and four ultra-sharp Fano peaks with considerable performances are obtained, respectively. It is believed that this proposed structure can find important applications in the on-chip optical sensing and optical communication areas.

Enhancement of Long-Range Surface Plasmon Excitation, Dynamic Range and Figure of Merit Using a Dielectric Resonant Cavity

In this paper, we report a theoretical framework on the effect of multiple resonances inside the dielectric cavity of insulator-insulator-metal-insulator (IIMI)-based surface plasmon sensors. It has been very well established that the structure can support both long-range surface plasmon polaritons (LRSPP) and short-range surface plasmon polaritons (SRSPP). We found that the dielectric resonant cavity under certain conditions can be employed as a resonator to enhance the LRSPP properties. These conditions are: (1) the refractive index of the resonant cavity was greater than the refractive index of the sample layer and (2) when light propagated in the resonant cavity and was evanescent in the sample layer. We showed through the analytical calculation using Fresnel equations and rigorous coupled wave theory that the proposed structure with the mentioned conditions can extend the dynamic range of LRSPP excitation and enhance at least five times more plasmon intensity on the surface of the metal compared to the surface plasmon excited by the conventional Kretschmann configuration. It can enhance the dip sensitivity and the dynamic range in refractive index sensing without losing the sharpness of the LRSPP dip. We also showed that the interferometric modes in the cavity can be insensitive to the surface plasmon modes. This allowed a self-referenced surface plasmon resonance structure, in which the interferometric mode measured changes in the sensor structure and the enhanced LRSPP measured changes in the sample channel.

Self-Reference Refractive Index Sensor Based on Independently Controlled Double Resonances in Side-Coupled U-Shaped Resonators

A plasmonic, refractive, index nanosensor is investigated theoretically and numerically in two U-shaped cavities side-coupled to a metal–dielectric–metal (MDM) waveguide. A transparency window between two transmission dips is observed. The physical origin of the transmission phenomenon is revealed by mapping the magnetic field distribution. Independent double resonances are realized through the proposed design. Double resonances showed diverse responses to the variations of the structural dimensions. In particular, they presented different dependences on a refraction index of the medium in an individual resonator. One resonance exhibited a remarkable shift with the increase of the refraction index; however, the other resonance remained unchanged. On the basis of this unique characteristic of differing sensitivities, self-reference sensing is discussed. The nanosensor yielded a high sensitivity of 917 nm/RIU and a figure of merit of 180 RIU⁻¹. This work is helpful in terms of the design of on-chip optical sensors with high sensitivity and improved detection accuracy in complicated environments.

Plasmonic Multichannel Refractive Index Sensor Based on Subwavelength Tangent-Ring Metal⁻Insulator⁻Metal Waveguide

In this paper, a multichannel refractive index sensor based on a subwavelength metal⁻insulator⁻metal (MIM) waveguide coupled with tangent-ring resonators is proposed. When two tangent-ring resonators were placed above the MIM waveguide, Fano resonance with asymmetrical line shape appeared in the transmission spectrum due to the interference between the light⁻dark resonant modes. The sensitivity and figure of merit were as high as 880 nm/RIU and 964, respectively. Through adding more tangent-ring resonators, multiple Fano resonances with ultrasharp peaks/dips were achieved in the wavelength range of 800⁻2000 nm. Besides, negative group delays were also observed in the Fano resonant dips. Two-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method was used to simulate and analyze the performances of the proposed structures. These kinds of multiring structures can find important applications in the on-chip optical sensing and optical communication areas.

Tunable Nanosensor Based on Fano Resonances Created by Changing the Deviation Angle of the Metal Core in a Plasmonic Cavity

In this paper, a type of tunable plasmonic refractive index nanosensor based on Fano resonance is proposed and investigated. The sensor comprises a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) nanocavity with a center-deviated metal core and two side-coupled waveguides. By carefully adjusting the deviation angle and distance of the metal core in the cavity, Fano resonances can be obtained and modulated. The Fano resonances can be considered as results induced by the symmetry-breaking or geometric effect that affects the field distribution intensity at the coupling region between the right waveguide and the cavity. Such a field-distribution pattern change can be regarded as being caused by the interference between the waveguide modes and the cavity modes. The investigations demonstrate that the spectral positions and modulation depths of Fano resonances are highly sensitive to the deviation parameters. Furthermore, the figure of merit (FOM) value is calculated for different deviation angle. The result shows that this kind of tunable sensor has compact structure, high transmission, sharp Fano lineshape, and high sensitivity to the change in background refractive index. This work provides an effective method for flexibly tuning Fano resonance, which has wide applications in designing on-chip plasmonic nanosensors or other relevant devices, such as information modulators, optical filters, and ultra-fast switches.

Multiple Fano-Like MIM Plasmonic Structure Based on Triangular Resonator for Refractive Index Sensing

In this paper, we present a Fano metal-insulator-metal (MIM) structure based on an isosceles triangular cavity resonator for refractive index sensing applications. Due to the specific feeding scheme and asymmetry introduced in the triangular cavity, the resonator exhibits four sharp Fano-like resonances. The behavior of the structure is analyzed in detail and its sensing capabilities demonstrated through the responses for various refractive indices. The results show that the sensor has very good sensitivity and maximal figure of merit (FOM) value of 3.2 × 10⁵. In comparison to other similar sensors, the proposed one has comparable sensitivity and significantly higher FOM, which clearly demonstrates its high sensing potential.

Plasmonic Refractive Index Sensor with High Figure of Merit Based on Concentric-Rings Resonator

A plasmonic refractive index (RI) sensor based on metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide coupled with concentric double rings resonator (CDRR) is proposed and investigated numerically. Utilizing the novel supermodes of the CDRR, the FWHM of the resonant wavelength can be modulated, and a sensitivity of 1060 nm/RIU with high figure of merit (FOM) 203.8 is realized in the near-infrared region. The unordinary modes, as well as the influence of structure parameters on the sensing performance, are also discussed. Such plasmonic sensor with simple framework and high optical resolution could be applied to on-chip sensing systems and integrated optical circuits. Besides, the special cases of bio-sensing and triple rings are also discussed.

Refractive Index Sensor Based on a Metal-Insulator-Metal Waveguide Coupled with a Symmetric Structure

In this study, a new refractive index sensor based on a metal–insulator–metal waveguide coupled with a notched ring resonator and stub is designed. The finite element method is used to study the propagation characteristics of the sensor. According to the calculation results, the transmission spectrum exhibits a typical Fano resonance shape. The phenomenon of Fano resonance is caused by the coupling between the broadband spectrum and narrowband spectrum. In the design, the broadband spectrum signal is generated by the stub, while the narrowband spectrum signal is generated by the notched ring resonator. In addition, the structural parameters of the resonators and the structure filled with media of different refractive indices are varied to study the sensing properties. The maximum achieved sensitivity of the sensor reached 1071.4 nm/RIU. The results reveal potential applications of the coupled system in the field of sensors.