Nested micro-ring refractive index sensor based on a subwavelength grating waveguide and the Vernier effect

Abstract

In this paper, a nested micro-ring refractive index sensor based on a subwavelength grating waveguide and the Vernier effect is proposed. In this scheme, the nested micro-ring structure is combined with a subwavelength grating structure to enhance the contact area between the optical field and the analyte, and the wavelength offset is doubled through the Vernier effect. The proposed sensor can effectively increase sensing sensitivity, taking into account the improvement of the free spectral range. This structure enables the device to reach a sensitivity of 8030 nm/RIU near 1550 nm wavelength in a deionized water environment, with a detection limit of 5.659×10−5 RIU and free spectral range of 41.956 nm. The device suggested in this study has a greater reduced footprint than the conventional micro-ring resonant sensor, measuring just 35µm×25µm. Due to its high integration, high sensitivity, and large free spectral range compared to conventional micro-ring resonant sensors, such structures are of great value in biosensing and environmental monitoring.