Differential ellipsometric surface plasmon resonance sensors with liquid crystal polarization modulators
Hooper, Ian R.; Sambles, J. Roy
Date: 19 October 2004
Journal
Applied Physics Letters
Publisher
American Institute of Physics
Publisher DOI
Abstract
Differential ellipsometric interrogation of surface plasmon (SP) resonances is a technique that gives ultrahigh sensitivity to refractive index changes, and it may provide the basis for chemical and biological sensors. In this study, a liquid crystal polarization modulator has been developed to provide such a differential technique. A ...
Differential ellipsometric interrogation of surface plasmon (SP) resonances is a technique that gives ultrahigh sensitivity to refractive index changes, and it may provide the basis for chemical and biological sensors. In this study, a liquid crystal polarization modulator has been developed to provide such a differential technique. A refractive index sensitivity of 2×10–7 refractive index units is demonstrated, which is at least as sensitive as more established SP sensing techniques. The use of a liquid crystal modulator allows for low-voltage signal modulation and also feedback locking to zero. Possibly more important, it leads to pixelization for array sensing and for potential imaging.
Physics and Astronomy
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
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