Multi-parameter mechanical and thermal sensing based on multi-mode planar photonic crystals

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new multifunctional sensing platform using multimode planar photonic crystals that can simultaneously detect mechanical and thermal changes with high precision, enabling integrated and scalable sensor applications.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel PPC-based sensor capable of multi-parameter detection and discrimination, with analytical and numerical validation of its high-Q resonant modes.

Findings

Multiple high-Q resonant modes identified in PPCs.

Distinct responses of modes to mechanical and thermal perturbations.

Successful demonstration of simultaneous pressure and temperature sensing.

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel multifunctional sensing platform based on multimode planar photonic crystals (PPCs). We analytically and numerically demonstrate that the reflection spectrum of PPCs exhibits multiple high-Q resonant modes, and the fundamental and higher-order modes respond distinctively to external mechanical and thermal perturbations, rendering the PPCs superior capability for detection and discrimination of multiple parameters. We further demonstrate simultaneous pressure and temperature sensing with a PPC sensor. Other advantages of PPC sensors include on-chip integration and wafer-scale fabrications.