Polymer-Based Guided-Mode Resonance Sensors: From Optical Theories to Sensing Applications

Guided-mode resonance (GMR) sensors are an effective sensing technique for biomolecule or gas molecule detection by monitoring the changes in the resonance wavelength generated in the grating-waveguide structures. Driven by the advancement of technology, GMR-based optical sensors can be constructed with various forms of optical materials, fabrication methods, and technology integrations and for a wide range of applications. Instead of the traditional rigid sensor structure, one global trend of the research focuses on flexible, wearable, and integrated optical sensors for better technical characteristics with drastic reductions in sensor costs. Hence, polymer-based materials have become more attractive for these circumstances. In this Review, we provide considerable knowledge of GMR technology’s detection principle, device structures, and fabrication methods, specifically focused on reviewing current polymer-based GMR sensors. For each published work, the resonance and sensing mechanisms were analyzed technically by identifying the beam path, the phase matching configuration, and the physical and optical parameters. Besides, future development perspectives of such polymer-based GMR sensors were provided to encourage the adoption and integration of these optical sensors for more conclusive and precise data collection. This can realize cost-effective manufacturing processes such as polymer-based sensors for environmental monitoring and the food packaging industry.