Slow-light enhanced optical detection in liquid-infiltrated photonic crystals
arXiv:0710.3653 · doi:10.1007/s11082-007-9123-3
Abstract
Slow-light enhanced optical detection in liquid-infiltrated photonic crystals is theoretically studied. Using a scattering-matrix approach and the Wigner-Smith delay time concept, we show that optical absorbance benefits both from slow-light phenomena as well as a high filling factor of the energy residing in the liquid. Utilizing strongly dispersive photonic crystal structures, we numerically demonstrate how liquid-infiltrated photonic crystals facilitate enhanced light-matter interactions, by potentially up to an order of magnitude. The proposed concept provides strong opportunities for improving existing miniaturized absorbance cells for optical detection in lab-on-a-chip systems.
Paper accepted for the "Special Issue OWTNM 2007" edited by A. Lavrinenko and P. J. Roberts