Total internal reflection ellipsometry approach for bloch surface waves biosensing applications

Abstract

A one-dimensional photonic crystal with an additional TiO2 layer, supporting Bloch surface waves (BSW), was used for enhanced signal sensitivity for the detection of protein interaction. To compare the optical response of BSW and photonic crystals (PC), bovine serum albumin and specific antibodies against bovine serum were used as a model system. The results obtained show the enhanced sensitivity of p- and s-BSW components for the 1D PC sample with an additional TiO2 layer. Furthermore, a higher sensitivity was obtained for the BSW component of p-polarization in the PC sample with an additional TiO2 layer, where the sensitivity of the ellipsometric parameter Ψ was five times higher and that of the Δ parameter was eight times higher than those of the PC sample. The capabilities of BSW excitations are discussed from the sensitivity point of view and from the design of advanced biosensing.