Compact distributed fiber SPR sensor based on TDM and WDM technology.

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Fiber Optic Sensors
• Nanophotonics

Background:

• Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) sensors are crucial for detecting changes in refractive index.
• Traditional SPR sensors often face limitations in multiplexing capabilities and spatial resolution.
• Integrating advanced fiber optic technologies can enhance SPR sensing performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a novel distributed SPR sensor.
• To leverage twin-core fiber (TCF) technology for enhanced sensing capabilities.
• To combine time division multiplexing (TDM) and wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) for multi-channel distributed sensing.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a twin-core fiber (TCF) with two parallel sensing passages.
• Employed TDM for parallel-connected distributed sensing across the two passages.
• Applied WDM for series-connected distributed sensing within each passage, using fiber end polishing to adjust resonance.
• Developed a twin-passage, four-channel TCF SPR sensor.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated a novel distributed SPR sensor architecture.
• Achieved simultaneous sensing in four channels across two passages.
• Validated the combined TDM and WDM approach for distributed SPR sensing.
• Showcased the sensor's capability for multi-channel liquid refractive index and temperature measurements.

Conclusions:

• The proposed twin-core fiber SPR sensor effectively integrates TDM and WDM for distributed sensing.
• This sensor architecture offers a robust platform for multi-channel, self-referenced measurements.
• The technology holds significant potential for applications requiring simultaneous monitoring of multiple parameters.