Absorption as a selective mechanism in surface plasmon resonance fiber optic sensors.
A new concept of surface plasmon resonance fiber optic sensor is presented. By tuning the plasmon resonance to a wavelength for which the outer medium is absorptive, a significant variation of the spectral transmittance of the device is produced as a function of the concentration of the analyte. With this mechanism, selectivity can be achieved without the need of any functionalization of the surfaces or the use of recognizing elements, which is a very interesting feature for any kind of chemical sensor or biosensor. Doubly deposited uniform-waist tapered fibers are well suited for the development of these new sensors. Multiple surface plasmon resonance, obtainable in those structures, can be used for the development of microspectrometers based on this principle.
Esteban
Oscar
O
Departamento de Electrónica, Universidad de Alcalá, Escuela Politecnica, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid (Spain). oscar@depeca.uah.es
González-Cano
Agustín
A
Díaz-Herrera
Natalia
N
Navarrete
María-Cruz
MC