On the implementation of nano-structured materials in surface plasmon resonance sensors

In this work, we review the implementation of nano-structured materials in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors for the detection of adsorbed molecules. More specifically, we study nano-porous alumina films supported by gold (Au) or aluminum (Al) thin films in SPR sensors under the Kretchmann configuration. The enhanced response of such a sensor is calculated by theoretical simulation and is compared to the most widely used 'classic' Au SPR sensor. It is concluded that both Al/nano-porous alumina and Au/nano-porous alumina setup provide better response than the 'classic' Au SPR sensor with Au/nano-porous alumina setup providing the best response.