Optical sensing from plasmonic metamaterials

Metamaterial surfaces in the shape of Split Ring Resonators, Asymmetric Split Ring Resonators and H-shaped structures have been used as optical sensors for organic materials such PMMA and the hormone estradiol. Field enhancement by the plasmonic structures can be obtained by matching the wavelength of the structures plasmonic resonance with a molecular resonance of a specific analyte and results in an increased molecular signature. We consider the relative merits of the structures and their sensitivities.