Au-Based Thin-Film Metallic Glasses for Propagating Surface Plasmon Resonance-Based Sensor Applications

Abstract

We deposited Au–Cu–Si, an Au-based thin-film metallic glass (TFMG) of ∼50 nm thickness, as the activation layer for propagating surface plasmon resonance (PSPR)-based sensors on a BK7 glass substrate to substitute the commonly used gold layer. The film composition was tuned to yield the maximum Au content (∼65 at %), while the structure remained amorphous. The results showed that the Au-based TFMG could support surface plasmon resonance and gave rise to the extinction in the angle-resolved reflection spectrum. Using deionized water and ethyl alcohol with the refractive index difference of ∼0.03 as the analytes, the angle shift given by Au-based TFMG was 4° compared to 5° given by the Au film. Hence, Au-based TFMG is feasible to be used as the activation layer in PSPR-based sensors. Compared to the Au film, Au-based TFMG has the advantages of being less expensive, lacking grain boundary scattering, better adhesion to the substrate, and higher resistance to scratch and corrosion because of its amorphous structure with excellent mechanical properties.

Annealing Effect on Mechanical and Tribological Behaviors of Nanoscale Mechanics of Zr60Cu25Al5Ag5Ni5 Thin-Layer Metallic Glasses for Engineering Materials Applications

“…Even though impressive efficiencies were shown during laboratory tests for such materials, which may not be the ultimate solution for many commercial practical applications . Moreover, even though the sputter PVD process is an outstanding method for the study of various coating surface nanostructures and compositions; other methods, for instance, electron-beam evaporative PVD could be commercially highly cost efficient, if evaporate source materials may be designed . MGs are also novel wear-resistant and low friction materials with a highly intensive demand in tribological applications .…”

“… 11 Moreover, even though the sputter PVD process is an outstanding method for the study of various coating surface nanostructures and compositions; other methods, for instance, electron-beam evaporative PVD could be commercially highly cost efficient, if evaporate source materials may be designed. 12 MGs are also novel wear-resistant 13 and low friction materials with a highly intensive demand in tribological applications. 14 Zr-based MGs display a smaller friction coefficient than other metals during dry sliding conditions.…”

Fiber Optic Sensor with a Gold Nanowire Group Array for Broad Range and Low Refractive Index Detection

“…PSPR is a quasiparticle description of the collective resonant motion of electrons on metal surfaces, occurring at the dielectric-metal interface. In PSPR-PCF, metal is generally applied to the sensing area in the form of a thin layer [16]. Hasan Abdullah et al proposed a highly sensitive Au-coated circular nanofilm PCF biosensor based on SPR [17].…”