We describe a novel approach to enhance the sensitivity of a grating-based surface plasmon-coupled emission (SPCE) sensor by increasing the thickness of the metal film used in this system. The calculated optical properties of grating-based SPR spectra were significantly affected by both grating depth and by gold thickness. Higher angular sensitivity could be achieved at short wavelengths and under in situ measurement (analysis under aqueous condition). We confirmed the predicated enhancements of SPCE response using Alexa Fluor 647-labeled anti-mouse IgG immobilized on the SPCE sensor chips. Grating-coupled SPCE sensor chips can be used as a useful tool for high contents analysis of chemical and biomolecular interactions. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.