Background

Nano particles working as nano sensors and plasmonic antennas have both independently been demonstrated, but a co-design of a plasmonic antenna that also works as a sensor utilizing the same structure does not exist. However, these structures neither have a feeding point to couple to the source nor do they provide a way to be used for the communication front-end. Current state of the art technologies for plasmonic sensor-based sensing rely on grating-based structures that work in reflection or transmission. This sensing setup requires the use of bulky equipment for excitation and reception of signal to perform sensing.

Here Northeastern University inventors present, a plasmonic antenna which can perform sensing as well as transmission and reception of data at optical frequencies (180THz - 250 THz) at nanoscale.

Technology Overview

The proposed design allows the signals to be sent through the nano-antenna to be sensed as they are transmitted. This allows the new design to act as a transceiver for optical frequency signals as well as a sensor providing the sensor read-out data. The design is built with gold and leverages surface plasmon polariton waves. These surface plasmon polariton waves are very sensitive to the metal thickness and dielectric material properties of their surroundings and can therefore be leveraged to perform sensing. All these capabilities make it more efficient for space utilization and a compelling option for future nano-sensing network applications in medical technologies.

Benefits

• Better utilization of space on a nano-scale device
• Higher accuracy and detection with minimal footprint
• Allows nano-scale integration to the source and eliminates the need of bulky equipment
• Possible to perform signal processing such as selective focus and targeting at nanoscale compared to earlier used passive reflectors thus maximizing signal to noise ratio
• Allows wireless sensing and real-time logging of the sensing data
• On-chip integration allows for cheaper costs at mass volume manufacturing

Applications

• Future nano‑scale medicine, biological experimentation and treatments
• Chemical/drug sensing in industries with need for a small footprint
• Adding advanced sensing capabilities to wearable devices

Opportunity

• Research Collaboration
• Developmental partner
• Licensing