Mid-Infrared Waveguides: A Perspective.
Significant advancements in waveguide technology in the mid-infrared (MIR) regime during recent decades have assisted in establishing MIR spectroscopic and sensing technologies as a routine tool among nondestructive analytical methods. In this review, the evolution of MIR waveguides along with state-of-the-art technologies facilitating next-generation MIR chem/bio sensors will be discussed introducing a classification scheme defining three "generations" of MIR waveguides: (1) conventional internal reflection elements as "first generation" waveguides; (2) MIR-transparent optical fibers as "second generation" waveguides; and most recently introduced(3) thin-film structures as "third generation" waveguides. Selected application examples for these each waveguide category along with future trends will highlight utility and perspectives for waveguide-based MIR spectroscopy and sensing systems.
Institute of Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry (IABC), Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
Thomas
T
Schädle
Institute of Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry (IABC), Ulm University, Ulm, Germany boris.mizaikoff@uni-ulm.de.
Boris
B
Mizaikoff
MIR; Mid-infraredinfrared; attenuated total reflection; chem/bio sensing; infrared sensors; internal total reflection; optical fibers; optical sensors; thin film waveguides; waveguide classification; waveguides