Nanofluidic delivery of molecules: integrated plasmonic sensing with nanoholes

作者：Kurth Martin L; Gramotnev Dmitri K^*

来源：Microfluidics and Nanofluidics, 2013, 14(3-4): 743-751.

DOI：10.1007/s10404-012-1093-5

• Nanohole
• Nanofluidics
• Optofluidic sensing
• Molecule delivery rate
• Molecular diffusion

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.

• 出版日期2013-3