Microstructured fibres for sensing applications
Date
2005
Authors
Petrovich, M.
VanBrakel, A.
Poletti, F.
Mukasa, K.
Austin, E.
Finazzi, V.
Petropoulos, P.
Watson, M.
Delmonte, T.
Monro, T.
Editors
Du, H.H.
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Conference paper
Citation
SPIE Optics East, 23–26 October, 2005. Photonic Crystals and Photonic Crystal Fibers for Sensing Applications / Henry H. Du (ed.):pp.60050E.1-60050E15 [pp.78-92]
Statement of Responsibility
M.N. Petrovich ; A. van Brakel ; F. Poletti ; K. Mukasa ; E. Austin ; V. Finazzi ; P. Petropoulos ; E. O'Driscoll ; M. Watson ; T. DelMonte ; T.M. Monro ; J.P. Dakin ; D.J. Richardson
Conference Name
SPIE Optics East (2005 : Boston, USA)
Abstract
Microstructured fibres (MOFs) are among the most innovative developments in optical fibre technology in recent years. These fibres contain arrays of tiny air holes that run along their length and define the waveguiding properties. Optical confinement and guidance in MOFs can be obtained either through modified total internal reflection, or photonic bandgap effects; correspondingly, they are classified into index-guiding Holey Fibres (HFs) and Photonic Bandgap Fibres (PBGFs). MOFs offer great flexibility in terms of fibre design and, by virtue of the large refractive index contrast between glass/air and the possibility to make wavelength-scale features, offer a range of unique properties. In this paper we review the current status of air/silica MOF design and fabrication and discuss the attractions of this technology within the field of sensors, including prospects for further development. We focus on two primary areas, which we believe to be of particular significan! ce. Fi rstly, we discuss the use of fibres offering large evanescent fields, or, alternatively, guidance in an air core, to provide long interaction lengths for detection of trace chemicals in gas or liquid samples; an improved fibre design is presented and prospects for practical implementation in sensor systems are also analysed. Secondly, we discuss the application of photonic bandgap fibre technology for obtaining fibres operating beyond silica's transparency window, and in particular in the 3μm wavelength region.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Copyright 2005 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. This paper was published in Proceedings of SPIE and is made available as an electronic reprint (preprint) with permission of SPIE. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic or multiple reproduction, distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper are prohibited.