Temperature sensor based on dielectric optical microresonator

An optical temperature sensor has been presented based on Whispering Gallery Mode (WGM) dielectric microresonator. The effect of Transverse Electric (TE) wave propagation in dielectric micro-spheres presented has been for optical resonances based on WGM. TE waves are characterized both theoretically and experimentally for large size parameter of the micro-spheres. A theoretical model has been developed based on asymptotic approach. The theoretical development is mathematically robust and significantly less complicated than existing approaches presented in the literature. The quality factor of experimental resonance spectra observed in the laboratory is calculated approximately in the order of 104 which is sensitive enough to detect micro or nano level temperature changes in the surrounding medium. The sensitivity of the Morphology Dependent Resonance (MDR) temperature sensor is wavelength change of 10−9 m for one degree centigrade change in temperature. This sensor could potentially be used for nano technology, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) devices, and biomedical applications.

► Optical temperature sensor has presented based on Whispering Gallery Mode (WGM).
► Theoretical model has developed using asymptotic approach for large size parameter.
► Quality factor = 104 sensitive enough to detect micro/nano temperature changes.
► Sensitivity of MDR sensor is change in wavelength/temperature = 1 nm/1 oC.
► Sensor could be used for MEMS devices, Aerospace, biomedical and nano applications.