Photonic Crystal Sensor Research Articles

Surface plasmon resonance based photonic crystal fiber sensor for bio samples detection

Surface plasmon resonance based photonic crystal fiber sensor for bio samples detection

Photonic crystal fiber temperature sensor based on self-phase modulation and solitons

In this paper, we investigated the temperature sensing properties of self-phase modulation (SPM) combined with solitons in photonic crystal fibers by experimental verification. Pumped in the normal dispersion region close to the zero-dispersion point, SPM allows the resulting spectrum to extend into the normal dispersion region, generating solitons. By detecting the wavelength shift of the soliton at 900 nm, 2.366 W, the maximum sensitivity is 0.98 nm/°C. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of temperature sensing using SPM in combination with solitons, which broadens the boundaries of nonlinear-based sensors and holds considerable promise for high-performance temperature detection in a variety of demanding scenarios, such as railway safety and national security.

Highly sensitive photonic crystal fiber optic sensor for cancer cell detection

Highly sensitive photonic crystal fiber optic sensor for cancer cell detection

A novel D-shaped photonic crystal fiber refractive index sensor based on surface plasmon resonance effect

A novel D-shaped photonic crystal fiber refractive index sensor based on surface plasmon resonance effect

High sensitivity and wide detection range temperature and refractive index photonic crystal fiber sensor

A D-shaped surface plasmon resonance temperature and refractive index (RI) sensor based on photonic crystal fiber is proposed. The fiber core is composed of five air holes arranged in a pentagonal shape, which effectively improves the sensitivity. The gold film is used as a plasmonic material, and the mixture of ethanol and chloroform is used as a temperature sensitive liquid. A finite element method with higher accuracy and stronger applicability is used to study the performance of the sensor. The results indicate that when filling the mixture, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature in the range of 0 °C–60 °C. A maximum temperature sensitivity of 11.0 nm °C−1 is obtained by filling the mixture. The RI sensor can detect RI in the range of 1.13–1.40, with the wavelength range of 1.2–2.4 μm, and the maximum wavelength sensitivity reaches up to 21 000 nm RIU−1. The sensor can be used in biomedicine, environmental monitoring, food detection, temperature detection and other related fields, and has certain competitiveness and commercial value.

Three-dimensional photonic crystal optical gas sensor for trace detection and ultrafast response of chemical warfare agent in atmospheric humidity

Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) are toxic that pose a threat to the environment and human health, even trace amounts of CWAs can be fatal. In view of this, there is an urgent need to develop gas sensors for trace detection and ultrafast response of CWAs. Herein, an optical gas sensor has been proposed based on metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) three−dimensional (3D) photonic crystal to detect trace CWAs’ simulant (dimethyl methylphosphonate, DMMP) in different atmospheric humidity (RH 20 %, RH 40 %, RH 60 %, RH 80 %). At relative humidity (RH) of 20 %, the sensor shows excellent selectivity of DMMP due to the specific interactions of van der Waals force between UiO−67 and phosphoryl oxygen (OP) group of DMMP (C3H9O3P), the ultrahigh sensitivity (42.7 ppb), ultrafast response (0.5 s) are profit from the ordered superstructure of 3D photonic crystal and its complete photonic bandgap. At higher humidity (RH 40%–80 %), the sensor shows excellent stability, long–term repeatability, and it still keeps ultrahigh sensitivity (12.1 ppb), ultrafast response (0.49 s) for DMMP at RH 80 %. Moreover, an optical gas sensor array has been prepared to solve the problem of cross−sensitive between DMMP and other CWAs at highest humidity (RH ≥ 80 %), the average classification accuracy can reach 98.6 %.

An ultra-sensitive photonic crystal fiber magnetic field sensor based on Vernier effect using two parallel Sagnac loops

Magnetic field detection is of significant importance in various fields, including military, industrial, and power transmission systems. In this paper, we propose a novel ultra-sensitive photonic crystal fiber (PCF) magnetic field sensor based on the Vernier effect, employing two parallel Sagnac loops. Since magnetic field detection relies on the magneto-optical effect of magnetic fluids, all air holes in the PCF are assumed to filled with magnetic fluids. By inserting two slightly different lengths of PCFs into two parallel Sagnac loops, the Vernier effect can be excited to improve the sensitivity of magnetic field detection. The sensing characteristics of the PCF magnetic field sensor are theoretically studied using the finite element method (FEM). Moreover, the influences of the wavelength and magnetic field intensity on the sensing performance are also analyzed. The results show that the sensitivity and resolution of the PCF magnetic field sensor can reach 11.9 nm Oe−1 and 8.4 × 10−3 Oe, respectively, within the magnetic field intensity range of 80–150 Oe. To our best knowledge, the proposed magnetic field sensor exhibits the highest sensitivity among existing magnetic field sensors based on optical fiber interferometers. The proposed magnetic field sensor possesses ultra-high sensitivity and resolution, which exhibits good application prospects in the field of magnetic field detection.

D-type photonic crystal fiber refractive index sensor based on Bloch surface waves

Bioassays are important in health assessment, disease diagnosis, treatment monitoring, disease prevention, and environmental monitoring to provide better health management and quality of life for individuals and society. A D-type photonic crystal fiber optic sensor based on Bloch surface waves is proposed for biological detection within an ultra-wide refractive index. The designed D-type fiber was side-polished and alternately deposited with one-dimensional photonic crystals (1DPCs) on the polished side, consisting of a set of TiO2 and SiO2 alternating media with moderate refractive index differences. The designed PCF consists of symmetric air holes and polished structures. The structural parameters of this sensor are also analyzed and discussed in order to obtain better detection performance. The designed Bloch surface wave D-type photonic crystal fiber optic sensor has a maximum refractive index sensitivity of 5400 nm/RIU and a maximum amplitude sensitivity of 513.00RIU−1. The sensor also has a resolution of 1.85×10−5RIU and an excellent maximum quality factor (FOM) of 222.43RIU−1. These results show a higher figure of merit (FOM) than conventional methods, resulting in increased sensitivity and accuracy. The proposed sensor can detect the RI of unspecified analytes between 1.20 and 1.50, allowing for the analysis of many different types of analytes, such as viruses, blood plasma, cancer cells, sugars, proteins, DNA/RNA, and many more.

High-sensitivity photonic crystal fiber sensor based on surface plasmon resonance

High-sensitivity photonic crystal fiber sensor based on surface plasmon resonance

Agarose-Based Hydrogel Film with Embedded Oriented Photonic Nanochains for Sensing pH.

Responsive photonic crystal hydrogel sensors are renowned for their colorimetric sensing ability and can be utilized in many fields such as medical diagnosis, environmental detection, food safety, and industrial production. Previously, our group invented responsive photonic nanochains (RPNCs), which improve the response speed of photonic crystal hydrogel sensors by at least 2 to 3 orders of magnitude. However, RPNCs are dispersed in a liquid medium, which needs a magnetic field to orient them for the generation of structural colors. In addition, during repeated use, the process of cleaning and redispersing can cause entanglement, breakage, and a loss of RPNCs, resulting in poor stability. Moreover, when mixing with the samples in liquid, the RPNCs may lead to the contamination of the samples being tested. In this paper, we incorporate one-dimensional oriented RPNCs with agarose gel film to prepare heterogeneous hydrogel films. Thanks to the non-responsive and porous nature of the agarose gel, the protons diffuse freely in the gel, which facilitates the fast response of the RPNCs. Furthermore, the "frozen" RPNCs in agarose gel not only enable the display of structural colors without the need for a magnet but also improve the cycling stability and long-term durability of the sensor, and will not contaminate the samples. This work paves the way for the application of photonic crystal sensors.

Ultra-high sensitivity D-type photonic crystal fiber sensor deposited with MoO2 nanofilm

Fiber optic sensing technology has extensive applications in many fields and demands high sensitivity and cost-effectiveness for sensors. In this study, we propose an ultra-high sensitivity D-type photonic crystal fiber sensor based on MoO2 nano-film coating to meet this requirement. Firstly, MoO2 is selected as the plasmonic excitation material. Compared to expensive metals such as Au and Ag, MoO2 has the characteristics of low cost and charge carrier density, which is suitable for use in optical fiber sensing modules. The sensitivity of the sensor to the external environment can be increased by coating the surface of the optical fiber with MoO2 nano-film. Then, we use the finite element method to evaluate the performance of the sensor. Numerical simulation results show that the average wavelength sensitivity of the sensor in the x-polarization direction is as high as 24000 nm/RIU when analyzing substances with refractive indices ranging from 1.38 to 1.43. This means that the sensor has a very sensitive response to refractive index changes and can be widely applied to sensing needs in different fields. Overall, the D-type photonic crystal fiber sensor based on MoO2 nanofilm coating has enormous potential for applications. This sensor can achieve high-sensitivity detection within a specified range of refractive indices, providing new ideas and methods for research and applications in the field of fiber sensing.

Real-time and high-sensitive colorimetric sensor based on photonic crystal for amniotic fluid identification

In this study, we proposed a pH-responsive photonic crystal hydrogel sensor (PCHs) to conveniently and accurately recognize the amniotic fluid from urine of parturient women, which was constituted by three-dimensional polymethyl acrylamide (PMMA) array and optimized hydrogel. PMMA array was self-assembled by 180 nm monodispersed nanoparticles with vertical sedimentation method. The functional hydrogel containing N-acryloyl phenylalanine (APA), acrylamide (AM) and N, N'-methylene bis(acrylamide) (BIS) as co-monomer and crosslinking agent respectively, was photo-polymerized by the precursor under 365 nm UV light. This hydrogel significantly shrank or swelled corresponding to the acidity and alkalinity of the aqueous solution, which resulted in both the reflection peak position (λmax) of the prepared sensor and its structural color changing with the pH value. The λmax of PCHs redshifted from 514 nm to 606 nm in 60 s while the pH value of testing solution increased from 4.5 to 8.0, which exactly covered the pH value of amniotic fluid and urine. Correspondingly, its structure color gradually changed from pale-green to red ensuring their naked-eye determination. Furthermore, an extremely high sensitivity as 26.3 nm/pH of Δλmax was obtained which was linearly related to pH value. The prepared sensor possessed steady accuracy and extraordinary sensitivity compared with the pH test strip which was generally used in amniorrhexis diagnosis nowadays besides the advantages of the low cost, simple operation, rapid response and visual detection mode. The reliability of this PCHs was further confirmed by the real sample detection which relative standard deviation was below 5.0 %, suggesting its potential clinical applications.

Highly sensitive l-lysine molecularly imprinted two-dimensional photonic crystal hydrogel sensor

Using polystyrene two-dimensional photonic crystal as template, l-lysine molecularly imprinted two-dimensional photonic crystal hydrogel (l-Lys MIPCH) sensor with highly sensitive response to l-lysine was prepared by photoinitiated polymerization. The response performance of the l-Lys MIPCH sensor was investigated by observing the change of the diameter of the Debye ring (ΔD) and the structural color of the sensor. In the process of recognizing l-Lys molecules by l-Lys MIPCH sensor, the volume of hydrogel swells, the diameter of Debye ring decreases, and the particle spacing of photonic crystal increases. As the l-Lys concentration increased from 0 to 10−4 mol/L, the diameter of Debye ring decreased by 15.7 mm, the particle spacing of photonic crystals increased by 75.1 mm, and the structural color of hydrogel changed from blue to red correspondingly. When the l-Lys concentration was in the range of 10−12–10−4 mol/L, there was a linear relationship between the change in the diameter of the Debye ring (ΔD) and the logarithm value of the l-Lys concentration (lgc), and the linear relationship was as follows: ΔD = 19.04 + 0.90 lgc, R 2=0.9962. In addition, the detection limit of the sensor is as low as 10−16 mol/L. The prepared sensor not only has high selectivity, but also can be used for chiral recognition of l-Lys, and the results of l-Lys in the actual sample of lysiinositol vitamin B12 oral solution were also satisfactory.

A comprehensive review of blood component detection utilizing One-Dimensional, Two-Dimensional, and photonic crystal fiber biosensors

This comprehensive review investigates the diverse landscape of blood component detection through the one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and photonic crystal fiber biosensors. Each biosensor, dedicated to specific blood components, is scrutinized in detail, with a focus on key parameters such as Quality Factor (Q) coefficient Loss, Figure of Merit (FOM), and Detection Limit (DL). The study discerns notable advancements in sensitivity and confinement loss within the realm of photonic crystal fiber sensors, attributing these improvements to recent structural modifications. The findings contribute valuable insights into the state-of-the-art techniques employed in blood component detection, paving the way for enhanced biosensor technologies in biomedical applications.

Ultrathin photonic crystal based on photo-crosslinked polymer and metal–organic framework for highly sensitive detection and discrimination of benzene series vapors

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have always been a major concern as a global environmental problem. As a low-cost, high-efficiency and visual sensor, photonic crystals (PCs) have been actively studied in VOCs detection. Herein, a one-dimensional PC sensor for visual sensing of highly toxic benzene series VOC vapors is prepared for the first time by integrating a new photo-crosslinked polymer-poly(styrene-benzoylphenyl acrylate) P(St-BPA) and a high specific surface area metal–organic framework (MOF) MIL-101(Cr). The PC can detect VOCs quantitatively and visually, and clearly distinguish 7 benzene series vapors. The detection limit of the benzene series VOCs is as low as 0.06–3.45 g/m3. Meanwhile, owing to the ultra-thin layer and porous structure, the PC can reach a response equilibrium to the VOCs within 1–2.6 s. Moreover, the PC has a good organic vapor tolerance and can maintain stable optical performance after 1000 times of reuse in VOCs. Besides, 4 other PCs assembled with different aryl polymers and MOFs are first fabricated and their sensing performance to benzene series VOCs are studied and compared, which provides a valuable reference for the selection of materials for the preparation of such PC sensors.

Two-dimensional photonic crystal sensor enabled by hydrophobic hydrogen-bonded organic Frameworks@Metal-Organic frameworks for trace nerve agents detection

The development of fast and accurate sensors for nerve agents holds immense significance for homeland security and public health. However, the humidity interference from ambient environments and poor sensitivity for trace nerve agents are largely unsolved problems. To overcome the problems, a humidity-independent two-dimensional photonic crystal (2-D PC) sensor is developed by exploiting UiO-66-NH2 2-D PC with excellent sensitivity coupled to a hydrophobic hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOFs) for detection sarin simulant dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP). Selective sensing results show that the HOFs@UiO-66-NH2 2-D PC sensor presents the outstanding DMMP specificity, and the limit of detection (LOD) for DMMP response of the sensor can reach 508 ± 68 ppb at room temperature. Water-resistant experiments demonstrate that the HOFs@UiO-66-NH2 2-D PC sensor shows excellent stability even under 80% relative humidity (RH). Moreover, the sensor also exhibits a rapid response/recovery time of 1 s/3 s and can maintain excellent sensing performance under heat-treatment of 200 °C and in the long-term storage (30 days). The adsorption kinetics and the hydrogen bond interaction are conducted to elucidate the mechanism of enhanced sensing DMMP properties. These results indicate the potential application of the sensor in the trace nerve agent's detection, especially in humidity environment.

Machine learning-enhanced surface plasmon resonance based photonic crystal fiber sensor

This study introduces what we believe to be a novel photonic crystal fiber sensor utilizing surface plasmon resonance (SPR), incorporating four gold nanowires to enhance sensing capabilities. The research employs machine learning, specifically artificial neural networks (ANN), to predict confinement loss and sensitivity, achieving high accuracy without needing the imaginary part of the effective refractive index. The machine learning technique is applied in three different scenarios, resulting in mean squared errors of 0.084, 0.002, and 0.003, highlighting the reliability of the ANN models in predicting sensor outputs. Additionally, the sensor demonstrates impressive wavelength sensitivities of 2000-18000 nm/RIU (nanometers per refractive index unit) for refractive indices of 1.31-1.4 within the 720-1280 nm wavelength range, and a notable maximum amplitude sensitivity of 889.89 RIU-1. This integration of SPR, photonic crystal fiber, and machine learning not only optimizes sensor performance but also offers an efficient methodology for prediction, showcasing the potential of machine learning in advancing optical sensor design.

Illegal food chemicals sensing with photonic crystal fiber sensor in the terahertz spectrum

The method by which a photonic crystal is manufactured fiber is detailed throughout the subsequent undertaking, containing a hexahedron core and hazardous dietary additives using a hexagonal cladding. Saccharine, sorbitol, and butyl acetate are used as analytes for sensing purposes. The sensor contains five tiers of circular ventilation holes within the hexagonal framework, as well as two tiers of hexahedron circles in the central area. FEM (Finite Element Method) is implemented in the sensor design of COMSOL software version 4.2. We noticed the response of the PCF sensor to the specific substances. We examined key optical metrics encompassing specifications including V-parameter, Relational sensitivity, effective refractive index, and power fraction to assess the suitability of the sensor for precisely and effectively detecting various food additives. The revised model attains sensitivity values of 90.10%, 91.30%, and 86.60%, respectively, at a frequency of 1 THz, the identification of saccharine (1.550 in the index of refraction), sorbitol (1.375 in the index of refraction), and butyl acetate (1.394 in the index of refraction) is performed. Furthermore, the compositions of saccharine (1.550 in the index of refraction), sorbitol (1.375 in the index of refraction), and butyl acetate (1.394 in the index of refraction) demonstrate losses from confinement of 6.15 × 10−8 dB/m, 7.25 × 10−8 dB/m, and 6.35 × 10−8 dB/m, which are comparatively minimal, and 0.0235 cm−1 is an insignificant effective material loss. These structures are studied at the terahertz frequency spectrum. Owing to its superior wave-guiding properties, this proposed sensor can be used for polarization-preserving terahertz wave applications and detecting dangerous food additives. Besides, because of simple fabrication, high sensitivity, and low confinement loss, we strongly believe this optimized geometrical structure will contribute to real-life applications that lead to safer food and support a circular economy in developing countries.

Photonic crystal fiber sensors to excite surface plasmon resonance based on elliptical detection channels are used for highly sensitive magnetic sensing

To improve the detection performance of fiber optic magnetic field sensors a new photonic crystal fiber (PCF) based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was designed and investigated. The designed sensor uses an elliptical detection channel, and the modal transmission characteristics and magnetic field sensing characteristics of this fiber optic sensor are analyzed using the full vector finite element method (FVFEM). In addition, the effect of the detection channel on the detection accuracy at different curvatures was investigated. Compared with previous optical fiber magnetic field (MF) sensors, the designed sensor meets the requirements of both refractive index (RI) and MF measurements, and the MF sensitivity, RI sensitivity, and amplitude sensitivity (AS) of the sensor reach 0.739 nm/Oe, 12043.8 nm/RIU, and 754.88RIU−1, respectively. The designed sensor expands the application range of optical fiber sensors and reduces the cost. It has great potential for application in complex environments.

Research on sensing characteristics of microfluidic sensor based on photonic crystal fiber

To address the challenges associated with sample injection into the air hole of photonic crystal fiber (PCF) and collimation, in this paper, we assemble a single-mode photonic crystal single-mode fiber structure sensor chip based on the Mach–Zehnder interference principle using microfluidic chip processing technology. The sensing principle is analyzed mathematically and the sensing characteristics are verified theoretically and experimentally. The temperature sensitivity of the sensor is −1.3325 nm °C−1, and the refractive index sensitivity is 1666.2 nm RIU−1. This structure solves the difficulty of filling and coupling PCFs. Furthermore, it introduces a novel research methodology for the design and assembly of high-performance biosensors based on PCFs.