A Nanosensor Based on Optical Principles for Temperature Detection Using a Gear Ring Model

Based on the characteristics of plasmonic waveguides and resonators, we propose a refractive index (RI) sensor that couples a gear ring with a metal–insulator–metal (MIM) waveguide. Using the finite element method (FEM), we conduct extensive spectral analysis of the sensor’s properties in the near-infrared spectrum. Furthermore, we investigate the structural parameters affecting the refractive index sensing characteristics. This study reveals that the complexity of the ring cavity edge can significantly enhance the sensitivity of the nanosensor. Optimal structural performance parameters are selected when the number of gears is six, resulting in a sensitivity of 3102 nm/RIU and a Figure of Merit (FOM) of 57.4 for the sensing characteristics of the gear ring. It possesses the advantages of small size and high sensitivity. This nanoscale sensor design demonstrates high sensitivity in the field of industrial material temperature detection.