1/f-noise-free optical sensing with an integrated heterodyne interferometer

Ming Jin, Shui-Jing Tang, Jin-Hui Chen, Xiao-Chong Yu, Haowen Shu, Yuansheng Tao, Antony K. Chen, Qihuang Gong, Xingjun Wang () and Yun-Feng Xiao ()
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Ming Jin: Peking University
Shui-Jing Tang: Peking University
Jin-Hui Chen: Peking University
Xiao-Chong Yu: Peking University
Haowen Shu: Peking University
Yuansheng Tao: Peking University
Antony K. Chen: Peking University
Qihuang Gong: Peking University
Xingjun Wang: Peking University
Yun-Feng Xiao: Peking University

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract Optical evanescent sensors can non-invasively detect unlabeled nanoscale objects in real time with unprecedented sensitivity, enabling a variety of advances in fundamental physics and biological applications. However, the intrinsic low-frequency noise therein with an approximately 1/f-shaped spectral density imposes an ultimate detection limit for monitoring many paramount processes, such as antigen-antibody reactions, cell motions and DNA hybridizations. Here, we propose and demonstrate a 1/f-noise-free optical sensor through an up-converted detection system. Experimentally, in a CMOS-compatible heterodyne interferometer, the sampling noise amplitude is suppressed by two orders of magnitude. It pushes the label-free single-nanoparticle detection limit down to the attogram level without exploiting cavity resonances, plasmonic effects, or surface charges on the analytes. Single polystyrene nanobeads and HIV-1 virus-like particles are detected as a proof-of-concept demonstration for airborne biosensing. Based on integrated waveguide arrays, our devices hold great potentials for multiplexed and rapid sensing of diverse viruses or molecules.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22271-4

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