Exceptional point sensing via energy loss profile in a non-Hermitian system

The heightened sensitivity observed in non-Hermitian systems at exceptional points (EPs) has garnered significant attention. Typical EP sensor implementations rely on precise measurements of spectra and importantly, for real time sensing measurements, the EP condition ceases to hold as the perturbation increases over time, thereby preventing the use of high sensitivity at the EP point. In this work, we present an new approach to EP sensing which goes beyond these two traditional constraints. Firstly, instead of measuring the spectra, our scheme of EP based sensing is based on the observation of decay length of the optical mode in finite size gratings, which is validated via coupled mode theory as well as full wave electrodynamic simulations. Secondly, for larger perturbation strengths, the EP is spectrally shifted instead of being destroyed — this spectral shift of the EP is calibrated and using this look-up table, we propose continuous real time detection by varying the excitation laser wavelength. As a proof of principle of our technique, we present an application to the sensing of coronavirus particles, which shows unprecedented limit of detection. Furthermore, our analysis includes calculation of the signal-to-noise ratio, revealing that EP sensors offer advantage when classical technical noise dominates over fundamental noise. These findings will contribute to the expanding field of exceptional point based sensing technologies for real time applications beyond spectral measurements. •Exceptional point (EP) sensing via measuring the spatial profile of the optical mode.•Under significant perturbations, the EP shifts spectrally instead of being destroyed.•Unprecedented sensitivity in real-time detection of coronavirus particles.•Impact of technical noise on the signal to noise ratio of our EP sensor is studied.