Abstract
We investigate the potential of microstructured optical fibers (MOFs) for highly sensitive absorption and fluorescence measurements by infiltrating a dye solution in the holey structure. Generally in a MOF only the evanescent part of the electromagnetic field penetrates into the sample material, providing a weak light-matter interaction. We compare such a MOF with a selectively filled hollow core photonic crystal fiber (HCPCF), in which most of the field energy propagates in the sample material. We show that dye concentrations down to 1x10(-10) M can be detected in a HCPCF using only nanoliter sample volumes. Our experiments proof that HCPCFs are well suited for demanding sensing applications, outperforming existing fiber tools that rely on evanescent sensing.
Highlights
In recent years the research interest in microstructured optical fibers (MOFs) has rapidly increased
For coating the hollow core and operation in air a Hollow core photonic crystal fibers (HCPCFs) designed for a central wavelength of 510 nm is used (Fig. 1a)
A HCPCF designed for a central wavelength of 1550 nm, is infiltrated with liquid
Summary
In recent years the research interest in microstructured optical fibers (MOFs) has rapidly increased. A promising feature of MOFs for various sensing applications is the possibility to infiltrate sample material into the holes, where it can interact efficiently with the guided light. This interaction is of evanescent nature for solid core MOFs, since light is index-guided within the higher dielectric and only a small part of the field energy penetrates into the sample volume. Hollow core photonic crystal fibers (HCPCFs) [3, 4], a special class of MOFs whose guiding mechanism is based on the photonic bandgap effect, avoid this drawback.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
