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Nanofluidic delivery of molecules: integrated plasmonic sensing with nanoholes

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Abstract

This article presents the detailed analysis of nanofluidics as a mechanism for the delivery of residual vapour/gas molecules in the air to nanoscale apertures in a porous metal or composite membrane with surface plasmons producing field hotspots near the apertures. Finite element analysis is used to calculate and to optimise the flow rate of air through apertures of different diameters with partial slip boundary conditions. Comparison of the calculated nanofluidic delivery rates with those due to diffusion of the tested residual molecules in the air is also conducted. Typical structural and material parameters at which either of these delivery mechanisms appears dominant are determined. Ways for further optimisation and enhancement of the operational capabilities of the described structures as nano-optical sensors and measurement techniques are also identified and discussed.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the Australian Research Council (Linkage Grant LP0882614), Australian Federal Police Forensic Services, and National Institute of Forensic Sciences. The authors also acknowledge the support and technical help of the High Performance Computing Division at the Queensland University of Technology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Applied Optics and Nanotechnology Program, Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia

    Martin L. Kurth

  2. Nanophotonics Pty Ltd, GPO Box 786, Albany Creek, QLD, 4035, Australia

    Dmitri K. Gramotnev

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  1. Martin L. Kurth
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  2. Dmitri K. Gramotnev
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Correspondence to Dmitri K. Gramotnev.

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Kurth, M.L., Gramotnev, D.K. Nanofluidic delivery of molecules: integrated plasmonic sensing with nanoholes. Microfluid Nanofluid 14, 743–751 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10404-012-1093-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10404-012-1093-5

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