A generalized approach for design of photonic gas sensors based on Vernier-effect in mid-IR

In this paper a generalized approach for modeling and design of photonic sensors based on Vernier effect is presented. Design criteria of integrated optical architectures based on multiple ring resonators are found, customized as a function of a specific gas to be monitored. Very efficient performance has been demonstrated in mid-IR operative wavelength range. Sensitivities of the order of 105 nm/RIU and limits of detection as low as 10−5 RIU allow detecting very small traces of methane and ethane in air.