Ultrasensitive imaging-based sensor unlocked by differential guided-mode resonance

Abstract Imaging-based sensors convert physicochemical parameters of analytes into visible patterns, yet a high sensitivity remains constrained. Here, we introduce the concept of differential guided-mode resonance with thickness modulation at a tens-nanometer scale to greatly enhance the sensitivity...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Zhenchao Liu, Houxin Fan, Tingbiao Guo, Qin Tan, Zhi Zhang, Yuwei Sun, Julian Evans, Junbo Liang, Ruili Zhang, Sailing He
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-07-01
Series:Nature Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60947-3
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Summary:Abstract Imaging-based sensors convert physicochemical parameters of analytes into visible patterns, yet a high sensitivity remains constrained. Here, we introduce the concept of differential guided-mode resonance with thickness modulation at a tens-nanometer scale to greatly enhance the sensitivity, alleviating the sensitivity-dynamic range tradeoff. Experimental results reveal a sensitivity of up to a million-level pixels per refractive index unit (RIU), surpassing existing technologies by nearly three orders of magnitude, with a large dynamic range reconfigured by the incident angle. With the present method, a moderate value (about 100) of the Q factor suffices to make a record high sensitivity and the Figure of Merit (FOM) can reach 104 RIU−1 level. We also demonstrate a portable device, highlighting its potential for practical applications, including 2D distribution sensing. This method unlocks the potential of imaging-based sensors with both record high sensitivity and tremendous dynamic range for accurate medical diagnosis, biochemical analysis, dynamic pollution monitoring, etc.
ISSN:2041-1723