Monolithically integrated mid-infrared lab-on-a-chip using plasmonics and quantum cascade structures

Benedikt Schwarz (), Peter Reininger, Daniela Ristanić, Hermann Detz, Aaron Maxwell Andrews, Werner Schrenk and Gottfried Strasser
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Benedikt Schwarz: Institute for Solid State Electronics and Center for Micro- and Nanostructures, Vienna University of Technology
Peter Reininger: Institute for Solid State Electronics and Center for Micro- and Nanostructures, Vienna University of Technology
Daniela Ristanić: Institute for Solid State Electronics and Center for Micro- and Nanostructures, Vienna University of Technology
Hermann Detz: Institute for Solid State Electronics and Center for Micro- and Nanostructures, Vienna University of Technology
Aaron Maxwell Andrews: Institute for Solid State Electronics and Center for Micro- and Nanostructures, Vienna University of Technology
Werner Schrenk: Institute for Solid State Electronics and Center for Micro- and Nanostructures, Vienna University of Technology
Gottfried Strasser: Institute for Solid State Electronics and Center for Micro- and Nanostructures, Vienna University of Technology

Nature Communications, 2014, vol. 5, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract The increasing demand of rapid sensing and diagnosis in remote areas requires the development of compact and cost-effective mid-infrared sensing devices. So far, all miniaturization concepts have been demonstrated with discrete optical components. Here we present a monolithically integrated sensor based on mid-infrared absorption spectroscopy. A bi-functional quantum cascade laser/detector is used, where, by changing the applied bias, the device switches between laser and detector operation. The interaction with chemicals in a liquid is resolved via a dielectric-loaded surface plasmon polariton waveguide. The thin dielectric layer enhances the confinement and enables efficient end-fire coupling from and to the laser and detector. The unamplified detector signal shows a slope of 1.8–7 μV per p.p.m., which demonstrates the capability to reach p.p.m. accuracy over a wide range of concentrations (0–60%). Without any hybrid integration or subwavelength patterning, our approach allows a straightforward and cost-saving fabrication.

Date: 2014
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5085

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