Ternary one-dimensional photonic crystal biosensors for efficient bacteria detection: Role of quantum dots and material combinations

Abstract

A ternary one-dimensional photonic crystal biosensor was proposed for quick and easy bacterial detection. The Air/(AMB)^N/D/(AMB)^N/Glass structure is formed by a defect layer between two identical periodic structures filled with samples of normal blood and bacteria-infected blood. Three categories of inorganic, organic, and inorganic/organic hybrid materials were used to make the four combinations of proposed photonic crystal biosensors. Aluminum Gallium Nitride (Al_xGa_1-xN) quantum dots, Gallium Arsenide (GaAs), silica, and polyaniline polymer have been used in the proposed structures to observe and compare their effects are in the infrared and visible regions. The results indicate that incorporating Al_xGa_1-xN and GaAs quantum dot layers has increased the sensitivity. These designs have two photonic band gaps with multiple suitable detection modes in infrared and visible regions with an approximately linear behavior. A standard blood sample (TBN) and bacterial samples (TB1 to TB7) were distinguished using the optimal parameters.