Multichannel detection method for optical sensors with surface plasmons and sensor element for making the same

摘要

The method of multi-channel detection in sensors with surface plasmons and spectral analysis is based on the fact that the surface plasmons (6) are gradually excited by electromagnetic radiation (1) in various spatial areas of at least one sensory element (12). In these areas the surface plasmons (6) are excited by separate wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum (1). The method of multi-channel detection in sensors with surface plasmons and spectral analysis can be performed in parallel in at least two areas of the sensory element (12) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the dispersion of electromagnetic radiation (1) using separate beams or parts of beams of electromagnetic radiation (1). The source of electromagnetic radiation (1) can be at least two sources emitting monochromatic electromagnetic radiation or a source of white light. The output electromagnetic radiation (1) is detected by a spectrograph or at least two detectors with separate spectral effect. The sensory element (12) of the multi-channel sensor with surface plasmons for carrying out this method has the form of a plate (13) with non-uniform opposite walls with at least one wall covered with a layer of metal (3) for gradual excitation of the surface plasmons (6) or the form of a plate (14) with uniform or non-uniform opposite walls with at least one wall covered by a layer of metal (3). In at least one area the metal layer (3) is covered by at least one extra layer (11). The sensory element (12) can be construed as either an integrated optical waveguide (15), whose surface is covered by at least one segment or the metal layer (3), the metal layer (3) being covered in at least one area with at least one extra layer (11), or as optical fibre (16), whose surface is covered by at least one segment or the metal layer (3), the metal layer (3) being covered in at least one area with at least one extra layer (11).