Sensitive Hybrid Plasmonic Refractive Index Sensor Based on Ag Cross-Grating Nanoantenna and Au Quantum Dot upon SiO2 Nanowire

Abstract

This study presents a distinctive hybrid plasmonic sensor architecture combining a silver (Ag) cross-shaped nanoantenna with a gold (Au) quantum dot (QD) for enhanced refractive index sensing applications. The structure consists of a silicon dioxide (SiO2) substrate and a cylindrically shaped SiO2 wire on it, topped with a silicon nitride (Si3N4) dielectric layer and an Ag cross grating, with an Au QD positioned at the center. Using free and open source 3D Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) simulations, exceptional electric field enhancement at the resonant wavelength of approximately 639-667 nm is demonstrated. The optimized structure achieves remarkable quality factors (Q-factors) exceeding 267 for biological media, representing among the highest reported values for plasmonic sensing structures. Unlike conventional red-shift sensors, our design exhibits a distinctive blue-shift sensing behavior arising from hybrid plasmonic mode coupling, achieving sensitivities ranging from 190 to 344 nm RIU-1 for various analytes, including water, blood, PDMS, body fat, ethanol, and glass. The ultrasharp resonances (FWHM similar to 2.3 nm) combined with intense field enhancement make this design highly suitable for biosensing applications.