A Genetic Algorithm for Universal Optimization of Ultrasensitive Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensors with 2D Materials

Abstract

We present a general optimization technique for surface plasmon resonance, (SPR) yielding a range of ultrasensitive SPR sensors from a materials database with an enhancement of ∼100%. Applying the algorithm, we propose and demonstrate a novel dual-mode SPR structure coupling SPP and a waveguide mode within GeO2 featuring an anticrossing behavior and an unprecedented sensitivity of 1364 deg/RIU. An SPR sensor operating at wavelengths of 633 nm having a bimetal Al/Ag structure sandwiched between hBN can achieve a sensitivity of 578 deg/RIU. For a wavelength of 785 nm, we optimized a sensor as a Ag layer sandwiched between hBN/MoS2/hBN heterostructures achieving a sensitivity of 676 deg/RIU. Our work provides a guideline and general technique for the design and optimization of high sensitivity SPR sensors for various sensing applications in the future.

Design and Analysis of PtSe2 and Blue Phosphorus/MoS2 Heterostructure-Based SPR Biosensor

“…Two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), provide benefits that efficiently tackle various issues faced in the SPR sensors. − These materials exhibit a notable enhancement in the sensitivity of SPR sensors due to their extensive surface area and strong plasmonic characteristics . This system’s enhanced sensitivity allows for identifying even the most subtle changes in RI, hence addressing the issue of limited detection thresholds. , Furthermore, 2D materials may be customized to enhance the dynamic range of SPR sensors, enabling the detection of analytes across a broad spectrum of concentrations, ranging from minute trace-level concentrations to much higher concentrations. , The specificity of SPR sensors may be enhanced by functionalizing 2D materials with ligands or receptors.…”