Dielectric Adaptation Layer SPR Sensor Adhesion Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prism-based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors on silica-based platforms face reduced sensitivity due to adhesion layers used to stabilize gold films, which interfere with SPR signals.
Innovation Solution
A surface plasmon resonance sensor with a substrate, an adaptation layer comprising a dielectric material such as Y2O3 or SiO2, and a metal layer with a grating structure, where the adaptation layer regulates plasma distribution to enhance SPR sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an adhesion layer is used to stabilize the gold film on the silicon/silica surface, then the reliability of the gold film is improved, but the SPR sensitivity deteriorates due to interference with the SPR signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dielectric adaptation layer as an intermediary between the silicon/silica substrate and the gold film. This adaptation layer mediates the interaction between the substrate and the metal layer, providing both mechanical support and optical functionality. The dielectric material with refractive index 1.3-1.9 acts as a mediator that enables plasmon confinement while maintaining adhesion, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of multiple layers with different material properties: a silicon/silica substrate, a dielectric adaptation layer with specific refractive index (1.3-1.9), and a metal layer with grating structure. This composite material approach allows optimization of each layer's function - the dielectric layer provides optical adaptation while the metal layer provides plasmon generation, achieving both adhesion and sensitivity.
2Measurement precision
If a prism-based SPR sensing system is used, then the SPR sensitivity can be achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the prism component from the traditional SPR sensing system. By using a planar dielectric-adaptation-layer-metal-structure instead of a prism-based configuration, the system removes the complex optical alignment requirements and bulky prism hardware while maintaining SPR sensing capability through normal incidence light detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical prism-based optical system with a planar photonic structure. The dielectric adaptation layer with refractive index 1.3-1.9 combined with the metal grating structure creates a planar optical system that uses light propagation and plasmon excitation at normal incidence, substituting the mechanical prism alignment system with a more compact and simpler planar configuration.
3Measurement precision
If the refractive index of the adaptation layer is increased to improve plasma confinement, then the SPR sensitivity improves, but the interference with biomolecule detection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the refractive index parameter of the dielectric adaptation layer to a specific range (1.3-1.9) that balances two competing requirements: high enough to confine plasmons and enhance sensitivity, but low enough to minimize interference with biomolecule detection. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal value that satisfies both conditions simultaneously.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The use of dielectric materials in the adaptation layer improves SPR sensitivity by reducing interference and optimizing signal detection, allowing for higher throughput and cost-effective detection applications.
Implementation Method 1
surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor with improved SPR sensitivity
Implementation Method 2
the adaptation layer plays a critical role that shows the ability to regulate the plasma distribution so that the SPR sensitivity can be greatly improved
Implementation Method 3
a Fano resonance is a phenomenon caused by interference between the resonant and background scattering probabilities, and the Fano resonance dip in SPR spectra presents an asymmetric profile
Implementation Method 4
the material of the adaptation layer may have a refractive index ranging from 1.3 to 1.9
Data Source
AI summary
A surface plasmon resonance sensor is provided, which comprises: a substrate; an adaptation layer disposed on the substrate and comprising a dielectric material; and a metal layer disposed on the adaptation layer, wherein the metal layer has a grating structure comprising plural metal lines. Furthermore, a surface plasmon resonance sensing instrument comprising the same and a method for detecting an analyte using the same are also provided.