Refractive index sensing using MXene mediated surface plasmon resonance sensor in visible to near infrared regime

Abstract

This paper evaluated the performance parameters of a CaF2-Ag-MXene-based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor at different wavelengths. The MXene (Ti3C2Tx) layer is coated on top of the silver (Ag) layer to act as a protective layer against oxidation and to improve the sensitivity and figure of merit (FoM). The proposed sensor could provide novel opportunities for achieving high sensitivity at different wavelengths. At an excitation wavelength of 532 nm, the maximal sensitivity of 350.87°/RIU is achieved. At various wavelengths, a sensitivity of 245.45, 140, and 129.25°/RIU has been attained at 633, 1000, and 1300 nm, respectively. The study also reveals that greater sensitivity is obtained at shorter wavelengths at the expense of detection accuracy. In the study for implementing the proposed sensor, a fabrication perspective is also included.