INTERFEROMETRIC SENSING DEVICE

摘要

A device comprising parallel input (2) and output (5) microguides with a planar guide therebetween defining a transition region (10). An optical tunnel effect provides coupling between the planar guide and the microguides. The transition region comprises at least two regions, i.e. a reference region (10a) and an interaction region (10b). The interaction region (10b) is made by depositing a superstrate of which the optical index or thickness is sensitive to a medium of interest. The light beam transmitted by the input microguide to the planar guide is divided into a reference beam passing through the reference region (10a) and a measuring beam passing through the interaction region (10b). The measuring and reference beams interfere with one another in the output microguide (5). Depending on the geometrical shape of the reference and interaction regions, the device forms a two-wave or multiple-wave interferometer. Said device is useful for making physical, chemical and biological sensors.