Characterization of an Optically Integrated Mach-Zehnder Interferometer for the Detection of Biological Agents
Abstract
The process of environmental monitoring of biological agents is a major concern to the Canadian Forces and to the defence research community In general. The Canadian Integrated Biological Agent Detector System (CIBADS) and the Light Armoured Vehicle Reconnaissance (LAV RECCE) are two projects within the Department of National Defence where smaller, faster, and more sensitive biological detection technologies are of great interest for the integration of an efficient automated monitoring system for biological agents. A device that shows encouraging characteristics for this goal Is a biorefractometer based on an integrated Mach-Zehnder Interferometer. This document reports initial work to evaluate the capabilities of this device. A model relating the biological sensitivity of the device to its basic electro-optical properties is proposed. Also, the main parameters that may degrade the capacity of the detector are identified and quantified. Off-the-shelf interferometric waveguides were tested experimentally and compared successfully with the proposed model. From these experimental results, it was found that the minimum refractive Index change measurable Is comparable with the results published by other international scientific teams.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA630565
Entities
People
- Jean-r. Simard
- William E. Lee