The resonant mirror: a novel optical biosensor for direct sensing of biomolecular interactions Part I: Principle of operation and associated instrumentation

Abstract The Resonant Mirror biosensor is a new design of optical sensor, aimed at combining the improved sensitivity of waveguide sensors with the simplicity of fabrication and ease of use associated with surface plasmon sensors. It uses the evanescent wave associated with a dielectric resonant structure to probe reactions occurring in a sensing layer, deposited within a few hundred nanometers of the device surface and is aimed at the real time monitoring of biological assays, without use of labelled molecules. This paper describes the operation of the device and performance features relevant to its use as a biosensor.