Silicon rib waveguide with palladium coated gold nanorods overlayer for hexane and N-methylaniline detection

The adsorption of hexane and N-methylaniline was investigated by on-chip vibrational spectroscopy. The interaction with the Pd surface significantly perturbs the vibrational modes of hexane. Near-infrared absorption spectroscopy on the waveguide detected a redshifted C[sbnd]H stretching vibration. We showed that while rapid evaporation of one component may occur, the modification facilitates the sensing for large molecules and mixtures of substances. Rib waveguides were modified with palladium to exhibit an enhanced electromagnetic field effect due to the electrostatic interaction of Pd and hydrogen, showing the drop in the amine overtone absorption of 7.6 dB and the overtone related to the bond of carbon to hydrogen of 6.8 dB. The absorption of hexane bonds in water is 5.5 dB. The obtained values are 100 times higher than those predicted by the electromagnetic simulator for pure rib waveguides. This may be explained by C[sbnd]H bonds in hexane that can be activated through a hydrogen bond-like interaction with metal substrates. This achievement holds promising potential for advancing hexane and N-Methylailine detection and analysis technologies, with implications for diverse applications in various industries, such as environmental monitoring, industrial processes, and safety measures.