Design and characterisation of a photonic sensor platform for the detection of biofilm formation

摘要: This thesis focuses on the development and characterisation of a waveguide-based photonic sensing platform for detection biofilm. integrated is based upon high sensitivity an optical field distribution formed in waveguides resulting changes refractive index absorption this environment. The sensor materials formulations were established from simulation studies conducted with Olympios software. These simulations demonstrated importance correctly specifying material to achieve single-mode waveguides. They also highlighted necessity deposit layer (HRIL) top order increase intensity evanescent responsible performance platform. Platform fabrication exploited low-cost process using photocurable organic-inorganic hybrid sol–gel materials, which microstructured by UV-photolithography form channel A tantalum-based was synthesized as 1.87. developed, optically characterised applied enhancement layer, deposited at surface waveguide platform. The performed monitoring output while contaminated water monitored both quasi-static dynamic flow-rates It shown that biosensor relies flow-rate. In flow rate, biofilm formation detected after 10 min reactions, demonstrating early stage progressive flow-rate showed time. Furthermore, performances found be strongly dependent thickness HRIL, confirming studies. This work proved concept employing formation, including induction phase, such, I believe system has immense potential future applications label-free real-time bioenvironmental applications.