Amplification of sensor signals from metal mesh device with fine periodic structure

Abstract

Two types of metal mesh devices with hole diameters of 1.7 and 0.3 μm were prepared by an electroforming method. The metal mesh devices with hole diameters of 1.7 and 0.3 μm transmitted electromagnetic waves with frequencies of approximately 100 and 285 THz, respectively. These spectral frequencies shifted depending on the adsorption amount of protein. The slope in the linear relationship between the adsorption amount and spectral shift (i.e. sensitivity) of the metal mesh device with a hole diameter of 0.3 μm was seven times as great as that of the device with a hole diameter of 1.7 μm. These results agreed with the theoretical concept of the sensitivity for the metal mesh device sensor being proportional to the square of the transmittance frequency. As biosensors, the structurally refined metal mesh devices amplified the output signals.