Title :
Model and Analysis of a High Sensitivity Resonant Optical Read-Out Approach Suitable for Cantilever Sensor Arrays
Author :
Putrino, Gino ; Keating, Adrian ; Martyniuk, Mariusz ; Faraone, Lorenzo ; Dell, John
Author_Institution :
Sch. of Electr., Univ. of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
fDate :
6/15/2012 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
We investigate an optically resonant cavity which is created between a reflecting micro-cantilever and a diffraction grating etched into a silicon waveguide. Changes in cavity resonance, induced by small deflections of the micro-cantilever result in large changes in an optical signal transmitted through the waveguide. An analytical model can predict the cantilever position for maximum and minimum transmission and is confirmed by three-dimensional finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations. This approach can be used to accurately determine the position of a micro-cantilever with a predicted optimal shot noise limited deflection noise density of 4.1 fm/ Hz.
Keywords :
diffraction gratings; etching; micro-optomechanical devices; microcavities; microsensors; optical waveguides; shot noise; 3D finite difference time domain simulations; cantilever position; cantilever sensor arrays; cavity resonance; deflection noise density; diffraction grating; high sensitivity resonant optical read-out approach; micro-cantilever; optimal shot noise; silicon waveguide; Diffraction gratings; Frequency modulation; Gratings; Noise; Optical device fabrication; Optical sensors; Optical waveguides; Biological sensing and sensors; MEMS; MOEMS; diffraction gratings; interference;
Journal_Title :
Lightwave Technology, Journal of
DOI :
10.1109/JLT.2012.2190973
