Conductive Ternary Nitride as an Alternative Material in the Design of Plasmonic Refractive Index Sensor

Abstract

Traditional plasmonic materials such as gold and silver have been widely used in Metal- Insulator-Metal (MIM) plasmonic sensors. However, these materials face significant challenges, including high optical losses, chemical reactivity and compatibility issues with standard fabrication processes. This thesis investigates the use of conductive ternary nitrides, specifically 𝑇𝑖(𝑥)𝑌(1−𝑥)𝑁, as a promising alternative for designing plasmonic refractive index sensors. Employing the Finite Element Method (FEM), the study examines the plasmonic properties of 𝑇𝑖(𝑥)𝑌(1−𝑥)𝑁, aiming to overcome the drawbacks of conventional materials. The initial parameters of the proposed sensor achieved a sensitivity of 513.3085 nm/RIU. After optimization, the sensor demonstrated enhanced sensitivity of 819 nm/RIU and an improved FOM of 32 RIU^(-1). The proposed plasmonic refractive index sensor, utilizing 𝑇𝑖(𝑥)𝑌(1−𝑥)𝑁, has demonstrated exceptional sensitivity in air pressure sensing applications, enabling precise detection of minute pressure changes. This capability is particularly beneficial for environmental monitoring and industrial applications where accurate air pressure measurements are crucial. The research provides a comprehensive comparison between 𝑇𝑖(𝑥)𝑌(1−𝑥)𝑁 and traditional plasmonic materials, underscoring the advantages of 𝑇𝑖(𝑥)𝑌(1−𝑥)𝑁, such as lower optical losses, higher chemical stability, and better compatibility with existing manufacturing technologies. The findings of this study pave the way for the development of efficient, high-performing plasmonic devices, advancing the fields of nanophotonics and plasmonic sensor technology.