Selective optical sensor arrays in a silicon hybrid platform (SOSAS)

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Fast and precise analysis of the composition of liquids and aqueous solutions is extremely important, e.g. in order to detect drug residues in drinking water or to be able to quickly adapt technical process conditions on demand. Today, analysis of mixtures is routinely done by taking samples from the mixtures followed by instrumental analysis. This requires specific instrumental equipment and methodological knowledge and also gives delayed results due to the time necessary for sample transportation to the analysis laboratory. Therefore, in this proposal a sensor based on integrated optical waveguides will be investigated which will be able to analyze the composition of complex mixtures on the spot in one step with a quantitative result. The approach is based on a silicon chip containing an array of waveguides which are sensitive to refractive index changes on their surfaces and have optical read-outs. The chip is the basis of a sensor platform which can be produced cost-effectively in large quantities for versatile uses. Customization of the chip surface for actual sample analysis and the necessary “sensitization” of the individual waveguides is done analyte-specific and spatially resolved by additional coating with functional layers, e.g. by inkjet printing. The aim of the project is to understand the interaction of optical waveguides and functional layers and to optimize the combination of both components, resulting in an operational sensor prototype for the quantitative analysis of complex aqueous solutions. The sensor performance will be demonstrated using aqueous solutions with concentrations as small as possible of the drugs Diclofenac, Carbamazepin, and Metoprolol.