Pillar-array based optical sensor

An optical microcavity based on pillar arrays has been fabricated in Si/SiO2 material system. Transmission measurement was taken and a quality factor as high as 27,600 was observed. This cavity was tested for sensing applications by immersing into optical fluids with accurate refractive indices. For refractive index change of 0.01, a resonance peak wavelength shift of 3.5 nm was measured. We also compare cavities consisting of pillars with different aspect ratios. (C) 2009 Optical Society of America