Surface plasmon resonance sensor showing enhanced sensitivity for CO2 detection in the mid-infrared range

We present the first optical sensor based on Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) operating in the mid-infrared range. The experimental setup is based on a Kretschmann geometry with Ti/Au layers deposited on a CaF2 prism where light excitation is provided by a Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) source. Evidence of SPR is presented and the sensing capability of the system is demonstrated by using CO2 and N2 mixtures as test samples. Due to the absorption of CO2 at this wavelength, it is shown that the sensitivity of this configuration is five times higher than a similar SPR sensor operating in the visible range of the spectrum. © 2008 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: (240.6680) Surface plasmons; (280.4788) Optical sensing and sensors; (040.3060) Infrared; (140.5965) Semiconductor lasers, quantum cascade; (250.5403) Plasmonics