Integrated photonic biosensors for time domain measurements

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The ability of light to act as a non-contact and high precision probe of its environment provides optical sensors with many attractive capabilities. Whilst various optical sensing technologies are already widely used for many different applications in the biomedical, environmental and industrial sector, this technology has not yet achieved its full potential. Optical micro-resonators represent the most sensitive class of optical sensors known. They are typically spheres or toroids made from a very low loss material. Light propagates around the inside of these devices in the form of ‘whispering gallery’ modes. Any change to the surface properties will influence the resonant frequency, which can be measured. By coating the surface with a chemistry that will bind specifically to the molecules that we are seeking to detect we can form a sensor.