Photonic crystal fiber sensor array based on modes overlapping

An alternative method to build point and sensor array based on photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) is presented. A short length (in the 9-12 mm range) of properly selected index-guiding PCF is fusion spliced between conventional single mode fibers. By selective excitation and overlapping of specific modes in the PCF we make the transmission spectra of the sensors to exhibit a single and narrow notch. The notch position changes with external perturbation which allows sensing diverse parameters. The well-defined single notch, the extinction ratio exceeding 30 dB and the low overall insertion loss allow placing the sensors in series. This makes the implementation of sensor networks possible. (C) 2011 Optical Society of America