A new sensor for the thermo-optical detection of surface plasmon resonance

A new sensor for the thermo-optical detection of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is presented. The sensor incorporates a grating coupler, patterned in a thin noble metal film (Au or Ag, respectively) for excitation of SPR by monochromatic laser light and a thin film thermal sensor for detection of the temperature change by absorbed radiation power. High sensitivity of the sensor is obtained by micromechanical patterning of a thin membrane area below the sensitive metal film. Design optimization has been performed by FEM simulations. First results regarding the thermal detection of SPR during the formation of supramolecular architectures on a silver film are presented. The measurements are compared with the results, obtained with conventional optical sensor devices.