Study of Photonic Platforms for On-Chip Refractive Index Sensing

Here we present a rigorous study for the different integrated photonic platforms that can be used for on-chip refractive index (RI) sensing. The study includes the widespread silicon photonics platform, the silicon nitride platform and the silica platform. We compare these three platforms according to five parameters that determine the performance and reliability of the RI sensor. Finally, we conclude with the optimum platform for on-chip RI sensing according to the available technology and the aimed application.