Ultra-Sensitive Refractive Index Sensing Based on Quasi-BICs in All-Dielectric Nanorod Array

Abstract

We propose an all-dielectric nanorod array for ultra-sensitive refractive index sensing based on quasi-bound states in the continuum (BICs). The nanorod is fabricated by silicon or silicon with an air hole, i.e., the hollow silicon nanorod. The quasi-BICs are formed in the hollow silicon nanorod array due to the symmetry-breaking of air holes. The high-quality factor (Q-factor) and ultra-narrow reflectance spectral width at quasi-BICs contribute to high performances of the sensor. The numerical results show that the sensitivity and figure of merit (FOM) can reach up to 602.9 nm/RIU and 34,977, respectively. The results indicate that the proposed nanostructures of quasi-BICs are promising for advanced biosensing applications.

Keywords

• bound states in the continuum
• high-Q factor
• sensor