High effective sensors based on photonic crystals

Abstract

Photonic crystals have been extensively studied as high effective sensors for environmental monitoring and chemical and biological detections. This paper reviews recent achievements on photonic crystal sensors. Especially, the band gap responsiveness and the ability in amplifying spontaneous emission are demonstrated in the reported photonic crystal monitors/sensors. They are of great importance for optical monitors/sensors visualized by the naked eye and sensors based on fluorescence applications. The photonic crystal sensors are promising for low-cost and high effective sensors and detection methods, although challenges still exist in practical applications.

Keywords

sensor / monitor / photonic crystal / photonic band gap / fluorescence