Enhancing refractive index sensing capability with hybrid plasmonic–photonic absorbers

Abstract

A significantly enhanced refractive index sensor with a maximum figure of merit (FOM*) value of about 1337 has been demonstrated based on a hybrid plasmonic–photonic absorber<italic>via</italic>utilizing substantial absorption contrast between a perfect absorber (∼99% at normal incidence) and a non-perfect absorber when there are changes in the surrounding.