At PhotonFirst we develop integrated photonics-based sensing solutions for a broad range of applications and markets, with an emphasis on Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) monitoring applications. The way in which photonic building blocks are combined and connected is vital for the performance, reliability, footprint, manufacturability, and applicability range of the solution. When targeting a broad application base such as sensing, a modular and holistic approach is key. In our contribution we provide examples of PIC-based hybrid integrated solutions specifically developed for sensing applications and use these to highlight the specific sensing requirements and challenges that come with integration.
At PhotonFirst we develop integrated photonics-based sensing solutions for a broad range of applications and markets, with an emphasis on Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) monitoring applications. The way in which photonic building blocks are combined and connected is vital for the performance, reliability, footprint, manufacturability, and applicability range of the solution. Targeting a broad market range, requires understanding the commonalities and differences of the specific needs and impact on the product. In our contribution we highlight and demonstrate several examples from our capabilities and solutions and discuss focus areas for future developments of specific interest for sensing solution development.
One of the promising space applications areas for fibre sensing is high reliable thermal mapping of metrology structures for effects as thermal deformation, focal plane distortion, etc. Subsequently, multi-point temperature sensing capability for payload panels and instrumentation instead of, or in addition to conventional thermo-couple technology will drastically reduce electrical wiring and sensor materials to minimize weight and costs.
Current fiber sensing technologies based on solid state ASPIC (Application Specific Photonic Integrated Circuits) technology, allow significant miniaturization of instrumentation and improved reliability. These imperative aspects make the technology candidate for applications in harsh environments such as space. One of the major aspects in order to mature ASPIC technology for space is assessment on radiation hardness. This paper describes the results of radiation hardness experiments on ASPIC including typical multipoint temperature sensing and thermal mapping capabilities.
We experimentally demonstrate optical trapping of single B. subtilis spores using the enhanced field of a cavity at resonance in a planar silicon photonic crystal. By tracking the suppressed Brownian motion of a spore in three types of optical traps, generated with three types of cavities (H0, H1 and L3) we derive trap stiffnesses of around 7.6 pN/nm/W and find good agreement with calculated values obtained with 3D FDTD simulations. We envision that planar photonic crystals provide a suitable platform for the manipulation and sensing of bio-particles.
In monitoring the quality of drinking water with respect to the presence of hazardous bacteria there is a strong need for
on-line sensors that allow quick identification of bacterium species at low cost. In this respect, the combination of
photonics and microfluidics is promising for lab-on-a-chip sensing of these contaminants. Photonic crystal slabs have
proven to form a versatile platform for controlling the flow of light and creating resonant cavities on a wavelength scale.
The goal of our research is to use photonic crystal cavities for optical trapping of microorganisms in water, exploiting the
enhanced evanescent field of the cavity mode. We optimize the H0, H1 and L3 cavities for optical trapping of bacteria in
water, by reducing out-of-plane losses and taking into account the trapping-induced resonance shift and the in-plane
coupling with photonic crystal waveguides. The cavities are fabricated on silicon-on-insulator material, using e-beam
lithography and dry etching. A fluidic channel is created on top of the photonic crystal using dry film resist techniques.
Transmission measurements show clear resonances for the cavities in water. In the present state of our research, we
demonstrate optical trapping of 1 μm diameter polystyrene beads for the three cavities, with estimated trapping forces on
the order of 0.7 pN.
Thermal tuning of the transmission of an elastomer infilled photonic crystal cavity is studied. An elastomer has a thermal
expansion-induced negative thermo-optic coefficient that leads to a strong decrease of the refractive index upon heating.
This property makes elastomer highly suitable for thermal tuning of the transmission of a cavity, which is demonstrated
by global infilling of a hole-type silicon photonic crystal slab and global thermal tuning. In the temperature range 20-60
0C the cavity peak shows a pronounced elastomer-induced blue shift of 2.7 nm, which amply overcompensates the red
shift arising from the thermo-optic property of the silicon. These results qualify the elastomer for tuning by local optical heating.
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