Novel D-shape LSPR fiber sensor based on nano-metal strips

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Nanotechnology
• Fiber Optics

Background:

• Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) sensors offer high sensitivity for detecting refractive index changes.
• Fiber optic sensors provide remote and robust sensing capabilities.
• Existing LSPR fiber sensors face challenges in fabrication and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel D-shaped localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) fiber sensor.
• To demonstrate a simulation-based design approach for LSPR fiber sensors.
• To evaluate the performance characteristics of the proposed D-shaped LSPR fiber sensor.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication involved etching a single-mode fiber and plating with nano-metal strips to create a D-shape.
• Numerical simulations combining the finite element method (FEM) and eigenmode expansion method (EEM) were used for design and analysis.
• Graphical representations visualized the excitation of LSPR for design validation.

Main Results:

• The D-shaped LSPR fiber sensor exhibited a short length (2494.4301 μm).
• High resolution (approx. 35 dB) and high sensitivity (approx. 20183.333 nm/RIU) were achieved.
• The sensor demonstrated compatibility with semiconductor fabrication, low-temperature cross-talk, and high-temperature stability.

Conclusions:

• The novel D-shaped LSPR fiber sensor offers a promising platform for advanced optical sensing.
• The simulation-driven design approach facilitates efficient development of LSPR fiber sensors.
• The sensor's properties make it suitable for various applications requiring high-precision refractive index measurements.