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Photonic Crystal Edge Couplers For Sensing Applications, Michael A. Zylstra

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have not only enabled the development of inexpensive sensors but have also improved their performance by lowering their mass thus enabling faster sensor response. However, there are limitations regarding the mass-scaling of conventional MEMS sensors that prevent further miniaturization. This makes the measurement of distributed forces with high spatiotemporal resolution challenging. Optical-based sensors provide low-volume confinement of electromagnetic energy and enable further mass-scaling. This thesis investigates the application of an optical deflection sensing mechanism that relies on the position dependent coupling between dielectric-like edge states on nearby photonic crystal slabs for the purposes of acoustic pressure, wall …