Dual-angle technique for simultaneous measurement of refractive index and temperature based on a surface plasmon resonance sensor

• Published in: Optics express 2017-05, Vol.25 (11), p.12733-12742
• Main Authors: Luo, Wei, Chen, Sheng, Chen, Lei, Li, Hualong, Miao, Pengcheng, Gao, Huiyi, Hu, Zelin, Li, Miao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1094-4087; 1094-4087
• DOI: 10.1364/OE.25.012733

We describe a theoretical model to analyze temperature effects on the Kretschmann surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor, and describe a new double-incident angle technique to simultaneously measure changes in refractive index (RI) and temperature. The method uses the observation that output signals obtained from two different incident angles each have a linear dependence on RI and temperature, and are independent. A proof-of-concept experiment using different NaCl concentration solutions as analytes demonstrates the ability of the technique. The optical design is as simple and robust as conventional SPR detection, but provides a way to discriminate between RI-induced and temperature-induced SPR changes. This technique facilitates a way for traditional SPR sensors to detect RI in different temperature environments, and may lead to better design and fabrication of SPR sensors against temperature variation.