A Flexible Plasmonic Array with Both High Q-Factor and Strong Near-Field

A higher quality (Q) factor and a stronger near field are two major advantages for surface plasmon resonance (SPR) applications based on high-performance nanocavities. However, achieving a plasmonic structure that possesses both an ultra-high Q-factor and strong near-field intensity has received relatively little attention. In this work, plasmonic arrays that offer a tunable Q-factor, tunable near-field intensity, and excellent uniformity over a centimeter-scale area are fabricated on a flexible substrate. The flexibility and uniformity of this plasmonic array have been confirmed by its integration into stable optofluidic sensing systems. An in-depth investigation into its sensitivity and figure of merit (FOM) highlights the superior performance of plasmonic sensing arrays that feature both an ultra-high Q-factor and a strong near-field. This plasmonic array, together with its fabrication method, provides an optimized platform for a wide range of applications.