High-Sensitivity and Wide Detection-Range Refractive-Index Sensor Based on Amplitude Change in Slotted Photonic Crystal Nanobeam Cavity

Abstract

High Q-factor is essential for the realization of high sensitivity photonic crystal-based sensors. The Q-factor is usually optimized for a specific refractive-index (RI) value of the ambient background. However, a small change in the RI reduces the Q value, and therefore limits the performance of the sensor to a narrow RI range. Here, we report a high-sensitivity RI sensor with a wide detection-range based on amplitude change of the fundamental mode in slotted photonic crystal nanobeam cavity. Both wavelength and amplitude sensitivity of 333 nm/RIU and 188/RIU are realized in the RI range from 1.3 to 1.6, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the widest sensing range ever reported in photonic crystal cavities. Owing to the wide sensing range and the insignificance of the Q value, this approach would find applications in various research areas in integrated lab-on-chip systems for optofluidic- and bio-sensing applications.