Bloch surface waves (BSWs) are the type of surface electromagnetic waves, which can be excited on the surfaces of photonic crystals (PC). Being dielectrics, their surfaces do not quench the signal intensity as happens in the case of metals. The biocompatibility of dielectric surfaces with biomolecules, immune-sensing and other life science applications make the BSW an attractive tool for optical surface sensing, which can replace the very widely spread use of surface plasmon resonance sensors. However, effective proteins immobilization protocols are needed for efficient response of such biosensors. The total internal reflection ellipsometry method will be used for the excitation and study the biocompatibility and sensitivity properties of the BSW and various type of plasmonic resonances during proteins immobilization on the sensor surface.
For more information, please contact the theme supervisor Z. Balevičius