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Giant refractometric sensitivity by combining extreme optical Vernier effect and modal interference
André D Gomes1,2, Jens Kobelke3, Jörg Bierlich3
1Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT), Albert-Einstein-Strasse 9, 07745, Jena, Germany. andre.gomes@leibniz-ipht.de.
Scientific Reports
|November 10, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a novel optical Vernier effect method using a few-mode interferometer. This technique overcomes spectral limitations, enabling significantly enhanced sensitivity and resolution for sensing applications.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Interferometry
- Fiber Sensing
Background:
- The optical Vernier effect enhances sensitivity by overlapping interferometer responses.
- Conventional methods face limitations due to immeasurable beating modulation within usable spectral ranges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel method to overcome spectral limitations in optical Vernier effect measurements.
- To develop a highly sensitive fiber refractometer using this enhanced effect.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a few-mode sensing interferometer instead of a single-mode one.
- Leveraged the overlap response of different modes to create a measurable envelope.
- Implemented the method in a fiber optic refractometer.
Main Results:
- Achieved a measurable envelope while preserving a high magnification factor.
- Demonstrated an order of magnitude higher magnification than state-of-the-art.
- Developed a fiber refractometer with ~500 µm/RIU sensitivity and >850 magnification factor.
Conclusions:
- The few-mode interferometer approach effectively surpasses spectral limitations of the optical Vernier effect.
- This method offers a significant advancement in high-sensitivity sensing, particularly for refractometry.
