TE40-Based Multimode Interferometer for Optical Refractive Index Sensors

Jara-Poma F.; De-Moraes L.; Salinas T.; Rubio-Noriega R.; Armas-Alvarado M.; Isayama Y.H.; Hernandez-Figueroa H.E. · 2025 IEEE Photonics Conference, IPC 2025 - Proceedings (2025) · DOI: 10.1109/ipc65510.2025.11282188

Resumen

We experimentally demonstrate the robust and selective excitation of the higher-order mode TE40 in a Si3N4 multimode interferometer (MMI), aiming to enhance evanescent field interactions for refractive index sensing. Through output intensity monitoring and the integration of a microfluidic module, the sensor demonstrates a bulk sensitivity of 780 RIU-1 and a detection limit of 2.2 × 10-5 RIU. These results highlight the potential of high-order-mode photonic sensors for compact and highly sensitive refractive index detection.

Instituciones: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú; Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería