Effect of prism index on sensitivity of lossy mode resonance sensors operating in visible region

Abstract

We present the theoretical results of the optimization of lossy mode resonance sensors at visible wavelengths. Both angular and spectral interrogations are carried out for absorbing indium tin oxide (ITO) films placed on glass prism. The inclusion of a low-index layer between the prism and the lossy (ITO) layer can produce an efficient refractive index sensor for bio/chemical applications. Further increase in sensitivity can be achieved by changing the index of the prism. It is shown that the sensitivity has strong dependence on the index of prism. Sensitivities as high as 4670 nm/RIU for spectral mode and 67 deg/RIU for angular mode with small values of full width at half maximum (FWHM) can be achieved. Dependence of sensitivity and FWHM on refractive index and thickness of low-index matching layer is also investigated.