The research
With a sensitivity of 800 nm/RIU, this highly sensitive device responds efficiently to changes in refractive index of the medium (which indicates how light or other electromagnetic waves propagate through a material), making it an excellent tool for measuring small concentrations of a wide range of molecules, as well as for use in environmental monitoring or chemical analysis.
Below is the reflectance spectrum for s- and p-polarized light incident on the sensor at an angle of 15 degrees in air, water and solutions of different concentrations of glycerol (a thick transparent liquid). From the measured peak shift, it is possible to determine the presence of the molecules to be tested at the surface of the sensor and to calculate their concentrations.
Demonstration of how the sensor works. Illustration by K. Vilkevičius and Dr. E. Stankevičius
Future
In the future, the developed sensor will be tested for the detection of specific proteins related to the diagnosis of cancer or other diseases. In addition, improvements will be made to the sensitivity and stability of the developed sensor by using different coating compositions and optimising the arrangement of the derivatives."
Acknowledgments
This project has received funding from the Research Council of Lithuania (LMTLT), agreement No. TPP-23-14 and has been performed in a cooperation with OPTOMAN.
With great appreciation, we recognize Kernius Vilkevičius and Dr. Evaldas Stankevičius for their accomplishments.
You can find out more about the research here.