MIM Plasmonic Bowtie Structures for Infrared Spectroscopy

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a diverse, powerful and nondestructive sensing technique amenable to a wide variety of applications. The sensitivity of IR measurements can be greatly improved by local electromagnetic field enhancements provided by nanoscale metallic structures. We propose a novel platform for enhanced IR spectroscopy, consisting of a bowtie structure composed of a nanoscale metal-dielectric grating. This device will achieve unprecedented levels of field enhancement due to the combined effects of the bowtie structure and MIM grating, allowing for highly sensitive measurements to be performed. In addition, the completed bowtie devices will be incorporated into a microfluidic channel. This channel will allow solutions of interest to flow directly over the region of maximum field enhancement, facilitating the easy execution of various measurements. Using this device, we intend to demonstrate the detection of ultra-low concentrations of various molecules, with potential applications in many fields.

Faculty Supervisor:

Nazir Kherani;Naomi Matsuura

Student:

Partner:

University of California at Berkeley

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Toronto

Program: