Applications of Optical Microcavity Resonators in Analytical Chemistry

Abstract

Optical resonator sensors are an emerging class of analytical technologies that use recirculating light confined within a microcavity to sensitively measure the surrounding environment. Bolstered by advances in microfabrication, these devices can be configured for a wide variety of chemical or biomolecular sensing applications. The review begins with a brief description of optical resonator sensor operation followed by discussions regarding sensor design, including different geometries, choices of material systems, methods of sensor interrogation, and new approaches to sensor operation. Throughout, key recent developments are highlighted, including advancements in biosensing and other applications of optical sensors. Alternative sensing mechanisms and hybrid sensing devices are then discussed in terms of their potential for more sensitive and rapid analyses. Brief concluding statements offer our perspective on the future of optical microcavity sensors and their promise as versatile detection elements within analytical chemistry.

Nanodiscs in Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics

“…433,434 A refractive indexed based on a sensing modality using silicon oxide micro-ring resonators was used for detecting binding events on an array of 30 µm diameter silicon rings. The multi-channel chip described in 433 contained 32 rings, with the possibility of measuring each independently using a tunable near-IR laser to launch an optically guided mode.…”

Flow-through micro-capillary refractive index sensor based on T/R spectral shift monitoring

“…Optical read-out is undoubtedly a very fascinating solution among detection methods, as it allows remote sensing of the investigated parameters, being thus minimally invasive, while miniaturization enables testing with ultra-low quantities of materials, both important factors particularly in the fields of biological, biochemical and biomedical analyses [2]. Various types of sensors that respond to the mentioned requirements have been lately investigated, based on resonant micro-cavities [1,3,4], photonics crystals [5][6][7][8][9], ring resonators [10][11][12][13][14][15], or whispering gallery modes [16], just to cite a few of them. However, there is still the need of demonstrating the functionality of simple and low-cost devices to be used as core elements of micro-opto-fluidic sensors combined with suitable readout methods.…”

Impact of thermal oxidation on the structural and optical properties of porous silicon microcavity

“…16,17 In addition, they can be utilized as highly sensitive detectors for chemical vapors and biosensors. [18][19][20][21][22] It has been observed that the storage of porous silicon films in ambient air causes uncontrolled oxidation. The silicon partially turns into silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ), and consequently the properties of porous silicon are changed.…”