It is demonstrated theoretically and experimentally that, by using the guided-wave surface-plasmon sensor configuration with a top layer of dielectric thin film $(10–15\mathrm{nm})$ having a high value of the real part of the dielectric function, it is possible to improve the sensitivity of the sensor up to 1 order of magnitude. The stability is improved because the thin nanolayer acts as a protection layer for the metal. The enhancement is due to the increase in the interaction volume and the evanescent field enhancement near the top layer–analyte interface.

© 2008 Optical Society of America

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