Loop-Terminated Mach–Zehnder Interferometer Integrated with Functional Polymer for CO2 Gas Sensing

In this work, a numerical study on the loop-terminated Mach–Zehnder interferometer (LT-MZI) structure for CO2 gas sensing applications is carried out via the finite element method. The sensing arm is covered with a polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) polymer which is highly receptive to CO2 gas. The...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied sciences 2024-06, Vol.14 (11), p.4714
Main Author: Butt, Muhammad A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Carbon dioxide
Design
Environmental monitoring
gas sensor
Indoor air quality
integrated photonic
Light
loop-terminated Mach–Zehnder interferometer
Optimization
polyhexamethylene biguanide
Polymers
Process controls
Propagation
Sensors
silicon-on-insulator
Simulation
Software
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Summary:In this work, a numerical study on the loop-terminated Mach–Zehnder interferometer (LT-MZI) structure for CO2 gas sensing applications is carried out via the finite element method. The sensing arm is covered with a polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) polymer which is highly receptive to CO2 gas. The refractive index of the host material decreases due to the absorption of the CO2 gas resulting in a shift in the interference pattern of the LT-MZI structure. As a result, a redshift in the wavelength is observed in the transmission spectrum of the device. The sensitivity of the device is estimated at 7.63 pm/ppm, 34.46 pm/ppm, and 74.78 pm/ppm for the sensing arm lengths of 5 µm, 10 µm, and 15 µm, respectively. The sensitivity can be further enhanced, however, at the cost of the bigger footprint of the device. Utilizing the innovative sensor design, a comprehensive range of CO2 gas concentrations spanning from 0 to 524 ppm is effectively detected. This compact and highly sensitive device serves as a vital tool for monitoring indoor CO2 levels, fostering a healthier breathing environment for all occupants.
ISSN:2076-3417
2076-3417
DOI:10.3390/app14114714