Cu²⁺-imprinted optical fiber SPR sensor for intelligent recognition.

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Sensing
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Copper ion (Cu²⁺) detection is crucial for environmental monitoring and biological studies.
• Existing methods for Cu²⁺ detection often face challenges with selectivity and sensitivity in complex matrices.
• Optical fiber sensors offer advantages like remote sensing, miniaturization, and immunity to electromagnetic interference.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and develop a novel optical fiber surface plasma resonance (SPR) sensor for intelligent recognition and detection of copper ions (Cu²⁺).
• To enhance the selectivity and sensitivity of the SPR sensor for Cu²⁺ detection using a Cu²⁺-imprinted film.
• To investigate the sensor's performance in complex environments and assess its potential for practical applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a MMF-TCF-MMF (Multi-Mode Fiber-Thin Core Fiber-Multi-Mode Fiber) structure optical fiber.
• Coating the optical fiber surface with a gold film as the excitation layer.
• Plating a Cu²⁺-imprinted film on the gold layer for selective adsorption of copper ions.
• Utilizing the principles of optical fiber interference and SPR to detect changes in refractive index caused by Cu²⁺ adsorption.
• Measuring the sensor's sensitivity and performance in detecting varying concentrations of Cu²⁺.

Main Results:

• The developed sensor successfully integrated optical fiber interference and SPR principles for Cu²⁺ detection.
• The Cu²⁺-imprinted film provided selective adsorption, enhancing the sensor's recognition capabilities.
• The sensor demonstrated a high detection sensitivity of -10.05 pm/ppm for copper ions.
• Intelligent recognition and detection of Cu²⁺ were achieved even in complex environmental samples.

Conclusions:

• The Cu²⁺-imprinted optical fiber SPR sensor offers a promising platform for selective and sensitive detection of copper ions.
• The sensor's ability to function in complex environments highlights its practical application potential.
• This work provides new insights and methodologies for the development of advanced metal ion detection sensors.