We investigate a highly sensitive optical sensor based on two cascaded microring resonators exploiting the Vernier effect. The architecture consists of two microrings with a slight difference in their free spectral ranges. This allows the generation of the Vernier effect for achieving ultra-high sensitivities. The sensor chip was fabricated using a silicon nitride platform and characterized with isopropanol/ethanol mixtures. A sensitivity of 0.95 nm/% was found for isopropanol concentrations in ethanol ranging from 0% to 10%. Furthermore, a collection of measurements was carried out using aqueous sodium chloride (NaCl) in solutions of different concentrations, confirming a high sensitivity of 10.3 nm/% and a bulk refractive index sensitivity of 6,317 nm/RIU. A limit of detection of 3.16 × 10−6 RIU was determined. These preliminary results show the potential features of cascaded silicon nitride microring resonators for real-time and free-label monitoring of biomolecules for a broad range of applications.
An optical device operating at wavelengths around 1.3 µm and 1.5 µm is demonstrated experimentally. It is based on cascaded microring resonators (CMRRs) and the Vernier effect (VE). The architecture consists of two microring resonators (MRRs) connected via a common waveguide; two waveguides were added for the interrogation of CMRRs. The free spectral ranges of both MRRs are slightly different in order to activate the VE, which is known to enhance the sensitivity in optical sensors. CMRRs were fabricated on a silicon nitride (SiN) platform. Two types of buffer layers-benzocyclobutene (BCB) polymer and thermal silicon oxide (SiOx)-were tested. A study of CMRRs was carried out with three structures of different structural parameters. The experimental results show good agreement with the theoretical analysis. This approach is promising for the fabrication of highly sensitive optical sensors in wide operating wavelength range.
Optical sensor systems for biological and medical applications have been widely developed in order to satisfy the current requirements such as a miniaturization, cost reduction, label-free detection and fast response. Here, we demonstrate a highly sensitive optical sensor based on two cascaded microring resonators (MRRs) exploiting the Vernier effect. The architecture consists of a filter MRR connected to a sensor MRR via a common waveguide. The external medium of the filter MRR is isolated with a top cladding layer, while the sensor MRR interacts with the analyte sample via an opening. The sensor chip, that includes an array of five cascaded MRRs, was designed and fabricated on a silicon nitride platform. A first test has been performed with sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations in deionized (DI) water providing a sensitivity of 1.03 nm/% (6317 nm/RIU). A limit of detection of 3.16 x 10-6 RIU was demonstrated for the current sensor, respectively. Several concentrations of isopropanol in ethanol ranging from 0% to 10% were also investigated. These preliminary measurements show a sensitivity as high as 0.95 nm/% at ~1535 nm compared to 0.02 nm/% from a single sensor MRR. For a moderated alignment between the chip and cleaved optical fibers, tapered grating couplers are included at the ends of waveguides. Hence, by combining the Vernier effect and the silicon nitride material, cascaded MRRs will be a powerful optical configuration for biosensing applications in a wide operating wavelength range
UV radiation is an underrated radiation currently missing in many horticultural production systems of vegetables in protected cultivation. It can be added e.g., in LED light sources. Using lettuce as a model plant, this study determined whether the use of UVB LEDs is suitable (1) for use in consistent systems (indoor farming) or (2) inconsistent systems (greenhouse). Blue and red LEDs were selected as additional artificial lighting to UVB LEDs. Both approaches led to a reproducible increase of desired flavonol glycosides, such as quercetin-3-O-(6′′-O-malonyl)-glucoside or quercetin-3-O-glucuronide and the anthocyanin cyanidin-3-O-(6′′-O-malonyl)-glucoside in lettuce. The impact of the consistent UVB treatment is higher with up to tenfold changes than that of the inconsistent UVB treatment in the greenhouse. Varying natural light and temperature conditions in greenhouses might affect the efficiency of the artificial UVB treatment. Here, UVB LEDs have been tested and can be recommended for further development of lighting systems in indoor farming and greenhouse approaches.
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