Dual Self-Referenced Refractive Index Sensor Utilizing Tamm Plasmons in Photonic Quasicrystal for Multistage Malaria Parasite Detection

In this study, we investigate the generation of optical Tamm modes and essential sensor features in dual-metal quasi-periodic photonic structures. Utilizing a Fibonacci sequence arrangement of SiO₂ and Ta₂O₅ layers, the structures examined in this study include a central cavity designed for comprehensive analysis of blood samples. Through theoretical analysis, we observed three reflection minima in the photonic bandgap, with one being insensitive to refractive index fluctuations in blood samples. This observation forms the basis for a dual self-referencing refractive index sensor. Our study spans parasitic stages in malaria-infected blood, revealing a noticeable redshift in resonant wavelengths corresponding to each stage’s incremental refractive index. Furthermore, we performed an exhaustive examination of the impact of cavity thickness on excited modes, to optimize thickness to achieve superior performance. Through numerical analysis, we determine maximum sensitivity values spanning from approximately 383 to 425 nm/RIU, detection accuracy values ranging from around 0.0664 to 0.0792 nm⁻¹, and quality factors falling between 55 and 65. This analysis encompasses various stages, including normal red blood cell (RBC), ring phase cell (RPC), trophozoite phase cell (TPC), and schizont phase cell (SPC). This dual self-referencing technique expands capabilities in refractive index-based sensing, providing an extended wavelength range conducive to resonance conditions. This approach helps identify various parasitic stages by creating two modes sensitive to sample index changes. Incorporating a quasi-crystalline geometry inspired by the Fibonacci sequence shows significant potential for advancing modern optical and bio-photonic sensor technologies.