Bound States in the Continuum Empower Subwavelength Gratings for Refractometers in Visible

Abstract

This paper describes a compact refractometer in visible with optical bounds states in the continuum (BICs) using silicon nitride (Si3N4) based sub-wavelength medium contrast gratings (MCGs). The proposed device is highly sensitive to different polarization states of light and allows a wide dynamic range from 1.330 (aqueous environment) to 1.420 (biomolecules) monitoring, apart from its being thermally stable. The proposed sensor has a sensitivity of 363 nm/RIU for X polarized light and 137 nm/RIU for Y polarized light. The spectral characteristics have been obtained with a high angular resolution for the smaller angle of incidence, which confirms the BIC hybrid modes with good quality factors and enhanced field confinement. The device is based on a normal-to-the-surface optical launching strategy to achieve exceptional interrogation stability and alignment-free performance. This system can also be used in the CMOS photodetectors for on-chip label-free biosensing.