Ge-on-Si waveguides for sensing in the molecular fingerprint regime

Low loss, single mode, Ge-on-Si rib waveguides are used to demonstrated optical sensing in the molecular fingerprint region of the mid-infrared spectrum. Sensing is carried out using two spin-coated films, with strong absorption in the mid-infrared. These films are used to calibrate the modal overlap with an analyte, and therefore experimentally demonstrate the potential for Ge-on-Si waveguides for mid-infrared sensing applications. The results are compared to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements. The advantage of waveguide spectroscopy is demonstrated in terms of the increased optical interaction, and a new multi-path length approach is demonstrated to improve the dynamic range, which is not possible with conventional FTIR or attenuated total reflection (ATR) measurements. These results highlight the potential for Ge-on-Si as an integrated sensing platform for healthcare, pollution monitoring and defence applications