Solid-state molecular sensors (SSMS) based on confined III-IV-V2 multi-functional heterostructures

Nikolaus Dietz; Frank Madarasz; Ramarao Inguva

doi:10.1117/12.613191

20 September 2005 Solid-state molecular sensors (SSMS) based on confined III-IV-V₂multi-functional heterostructures

Nikolaus Dietz, Frank Madarasz, Ramarao Inguva

Proceedings Volume 5912, Operational Characteristics and Crystal Growth of Nonlinear Optical Materials II; 59120J (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.613191
Event: Optics and Photonics 2005, 2005, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Nonlinear confined (optical and/or electrical) heterostructures based on III-IV-V2 chalcopyrite (CP) thin films and/or embedded CP materials offer unique advantages over group III-V and IV linear structures. These stem from the birefringent nature and the lower crystal symmetry of the CP semiconductors. As an example, this property is responsible three-wave nonlinear parametric processes (a second-order nonlinear effect) and very high values of the second-order hyperpolarizabilities. The recent discovery of room-temperature ferromagnetism in diluted magnetic CP semiconductors adds an additional functionality to this material system that makes possible the construction of novel magneto-optical device structures based on ferromagnetic nanocomposites and confined ferromagnetic heterostructures, which can be embedded in confined birefringent layers. Such structures are the basic elements for advanced "Solid-State Molecular Sensor" (SSMS) device structures. Rugged, miniaturized SSMS structures can be constructed which are based on a unique, optically confined birefringent, group II-IV-V2 CP heterostructure technology. This system identifies target chemicals and biological molecules in real-time under ambient conditions. It can detect and discriminate between numerous and varied molecular species by employing resonant phase- and/or amplitude sensitive detection over a large, tunable spectral range. The SSMS can be made sensitive to a specific group of molecules with appropriate phase matching conditions. Its response is unlike that of a linear waveguide sensor in two primary areas: change of frequency output, and intensity of the output light generated. Both signals are generated in a nonlinear second harmonic generation process sensitive to small changes in the phase matching conditions. Potential applications include compact ultra-sensitive sensors, nonlinear optical modulators, magnetic photonic crystals, magneto-optical switches, detectors, and spin electronic devices.

Citation Download Citation

Nikolaus Dietz, Frank Madarasz, and Ramarao Inguva "Solid-state molecular sensors (SSMS) based on confined III-IV-V₂multi-functional heterostructures", Proc. SPIE 5912, Operational Characteristics and Crystal Growth of Nonlinear Optical Materials II, 59120J (20 September 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.613191

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available