Si-based integrated photonic circuits: first approach

In this report we present our recent developments for utilizing the Si-based light emitter consisting of a MOS structure for the detection of organic pollutants. In the latest approach the light emitters are intended to serve as light sources in smart biosensors [1,2]. Now we discuss our concept of an integrated light emitter and a receiver in a dielectric waveguide structure below the bioactive layer for the detection of harmful substances, like synthetic estrogens or plasticizer in drinking water. Optical properties of waveguides, e.g. the transmission, are very sensitive to changes of the effective refraction index, which might be induced by the immobilization of biomolecules on the waveguide surface or in cavity structures, e.g. photonic crystals. The guiding of the light depends on the geometry and material composition of the waveguide. First waveguides were fabricated through plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and optical photolithography with following etching steps. Afterwards the layer thicknesses were analyzed by ellipsometry and the surface roughness via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). However, the investigation of the different waveguides will be allowed through finite element method (FEM) simulations (COMSOL) and experimentally through a setup for the optical transmission measurement. In summary, this lab-on-a-chip system provides fast light transmission without using of any additional lenses and achieves further portability and miniaturization.

[1] L. Rebohle, C. Cherkouk, S. Prucnal, M. Helm, W. Skorupa, Vacuum 83, 24 (2009)
[2] L. Rebohle, T. Gebel, R.A. Yankov, T. Trautmann, W. Skorupa, J. Sun, G. Gauglitz, R. Frank, Optical Materials 27, 1055 (2005)