Optimized KTN-MgO based photonic biosensor for hemoglobin sensing

Abstract We present the design and theoretical study of a defect-acquainted superlattice sensor for detecting hemoglobin levels in blood samples. For the design, a sample cavity is inserted between periodically arranged potassium tantalate niobate and magnesium oxide layers. The sample cavity behaves like a defect. Depending on the optical path provided by the defect layer a resonance peak appears in the optical transmission spectra. The optical response and resonance peak of designed sensor is theoretically analyzed using the electromagnetic wave propagation theory and transfer matrix method. The sensor parameters, sensitivity, quality factor and figure of merit, are examined and optimized for high performance. The limit of detection of the sensor was also monitored. The optimized biosensor provides a real time sensing response for blood hemoglobin levels in the near-infrared range and works well with a detection limit 9.42 × 10 −4 RIU.