Thin cylindrical slot in an optical microdisk cavity for sensing biomaterials

Abstract

In this paper, we propose and investigate a thin cylindrical slot etched into a disk shape optical microcavity (MC) aiming for sensing biomaterials in a label-free style. Supporting whispering gallery modes (WGMs), with remarkably large quality factor to modal volume ratio (Q/Vm) of the optical MC structures that penetrate in the slot region, enables us to perform sensing. Three different geometries for the side walls of host microdisk cavities, including vertical, 60° wedged, and half-circular cross section, are selected for investigations. In each individual case, the radial position, width, and height of the thin cylindrical slot are varied. The electromagnetic (EM) field intensity distributions (mode mapping profiles) of the WGMs show funneling of the intensified fields into the slot area that possessing nearly the same high Q values. Tuning the slot position, width, and depth for a suitably chosen WGM, sensing could be optimized for different biomaterials. Sensitivity value as high as 75 nm/RIU is calculated for the half-circular side wall microdisk. The proposed WGM-based slotted microdisk, as a state-of-the-art device which can operate, such as lab-on-chip structure, would function as a sensitive biosensor, even down to the single biomolecule levels.