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Real time chemical detection using species selective thin films and waveguide Zeeman interferometry

Conference ·
OSTI ID:296631
;  [1];  [2]
  1. Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
  2. Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (United States). Optical Sciences Center; and others

The authors present a chemical sensor scheme based on selective sensing surfaces and highly sensitive integrated optical transduction methods. Using self-assembly techniques, species selective thin-films are covalently attached to the surface of Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} channel waveguides to produce robust sensor elements. Exposure to targeted analytes results in the selective absorption of these molecules onto the waveguide surface causing a change in the effective index of the guided modes. These relative changes in effective index between TE and TM modes are precisely measured using Zeeman interferometry. Measurements demonstrate reversible, real time sensing of volatile organic compounds at ppm levels.

Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration, Washington, DC (United States); USDOE, Washington, DC (United States); National Science Foundation, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36
OSTI ID:
296631
Report Number(s):
LA-UR--98-1530; CONF-980412--; ON: DE99000703
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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