Detection of liquid chemical analytes using a novel PCF-SPR sensor based on the wavelength sensitivity measurement method

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel, highly sensitive, dual-coated PCF-SPR sensor for harmful chemical detection. The sensor's performance is investigated based on the measurement of the wavelength sensitivity method. Silver (Ag) is a plasmonic material, and Ta2O5 is used as an overlayer to enhance its performance. The impact of Ta2O5 thickness and structural parameter variation on sensor performance is also measured. The proposed plasmonic sensor measured the maximum wavelength sensitivity of 23000nm/RIU. This investigation undoubtedly provides a new approach to designing a PCF-SPR sensor that tunes the range of chemical refractive indices by changing Ta2O5 thickness. Besides, the simplicity, flexibility, and fabrication-friendly design make it applicable for chemical analyte sensing.