Design optimization of a highly sensitive spiral photonic crystal fiber for liquid and chemical sensing applications

Abstract

In this paper, a spiral shaped photonic crystal fiber (PCF)is proposed for liquid sensing applications. The guiding properties of the proposed PCF are analysed. Sensitivity coefficient is analysed by varying different structural parameters for a wider wavelength range. In addition, confinement loss is also studied at the same wavelengths. The relative sensitivity achieved for the optimized parameters are 56.8%, 58.3% and 62.7% for water (n = 1.33), propane (n = 1.34)and propylene (n = 1.36)respectively. With its low confinement loss and high sensitivity the proposed PCF can be used for liquid and chemical sensing applications. 2019 Elsevier Inc.