Design and analysis of a plasmonic nanostructure applicable for heating and sensing cycles of lab-on-chip

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to design a plasmonic structure that can be used simultaneously as a heater and a refractive index sensor applicable for heating and sensing cycles of lab-on-chip (LOC). Design/methodology/approach The authors report on the full optical method applicable in the heating and sensing cycles of LOC based on the plasmonic nanostructure. The novelty of this proposed structure is due to the fact that a structure simultaneously acts as a heater and a sensor. Findings In terms of the performance of the proposed structure as an analyte detection sensor, in addition to the real-time measurement, there is no need to labeling the sample. In terms of the performance of the proposed structure as a plasmonic heater, the uniformity and speed of the heating and cooling cycles have been greatly improved. Also, there is no need for experts and laboratory conditions; therefore, our proposed method can meet the conditions of point of care testing. Originality/value The authors confirm that this work is original and has not been published elsewhere nor it is currently under consideration for publication elsewhere.