Ultra-precision nanosensing using an optical fiber with a meta surface formed at the tip

2020 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16H04342
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Electron device/Electronic equipment
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: Kanamori Yoshiaki 東北大学, 工学研究科, 教授 (10333858)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: 光デバイス / マイクロ・ナノデバイス / メタマテリアル

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this research, we aim to realize an innovative ultra-precision nanosensor that enables in situ ultra-sensitive measurement of local regions by manufacturing a flat metamaterial (meta surface) at the tip of an optical fiber at low cost and with high accuracy using nanoimprint technology. As a result, we succeeded in constructing an optical nanoimprint apparatus dedicated to the tip of an optical fiber and establishing a manufacturing technology for quartz molds. In addition, we searched for metamaterial production conditions on the end face of the optical fiber by optical nanoimprint, and succeeded in manufacturing a refractive index sensor and a wire grid polarizer on the end face of the optical fiber. Furthermore, we manufactured a refractive index sensor using a polarization-independent metamaterial on a quartz substrate, and succeeded in label-free detection of DNA.

Free Research Field

微細加工学、ナノ光学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

ナノインプリント技術を用いて光ファイバ先端にセンサとして機能するメタ表面を製作した例は過去に無く、超精密加工やマイクロマシニングの分野において新たな加工技術となる。また、屈折率センサを用いたDNAのラベルフリー検出技術は、これまで大型装置が必要でコストと時間がかかったがん、糖尿病、感染症診断等の血液検査が、小型・簡便でその場で結果が出るような小型・高性能バイオセンサを実現するコア技術となることが期待され、超高齢社会が進む国内の社会課題を解決する技術として期待できる。