1D photonic crystal strain sensors

Abstract

We introduce a photonic crystal nanocavity consisting of one-dimensional periodic nanorods embedded in a deformable polydimethylsiloxane substrate, which exhibits a high-quality factor and a large wavelength response to the applied strain. By further investigating its wavelength response to nonaxial planar strains, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a sensor unit that can precisely identify different planar strains, including their application direction, type, and value. This sensor prototype with small footprint and feasible coupling with optical waveguides could provide additional flexibility for strain analysis in a wide range of fields.