Resolution enhancement using a multi-layered aluminum-based plasmonic device for chikungunya virus detection

Abstract

Biomolecular variations can be accounted for by changes in the intrinsic properties of the surrounding medium, such as the refractive index. This work employs such an arrangement using a modified attenuated total internal reflection configuration for telecommunication wavelength (1550 nm). The phenomenon of surface plasmon resonance is initiated by Aluminum (Al) metal due to its low cost and better compatibility with CMOS devices. To achieve improved plasmonic response in terms of the sensor’s resolution, we have explored metal-dielectric-metal configuration under angle interrogation. Barium titanate and Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) have been employed as the high dielectric constant material and the binding media respectively to enhance the sensing performance. After a series of optimizations, the proposed device configuration leads to a maximum Figure of Merit (FOM) of 540.9 RIU− 1, thus enhancing the resolution. The proposed plasmonic device can be used for chikungunya virus detection by considering different blood components in normal and infected stages. This Al-based multi-layered plasmonic device can serve many applications for resolution enhancement in the near-infrared region.