Fiber Optic Sensor with a Gold Nanowire Group Array for Broad Range and Low Refractive Index Detection

Abstract

To achieve high performance and wide range detection, we propose an ultra-wide range high sensitivity plasmonic fiber optic sensor with a gold (Au) nanowire group array, which has both propagating surface plasmon resonance (PSPR) and local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensing characteristics. The PSPR, LSPR, and PSPR+LSPR are presented as Au thin layers, Au spheres (or Au nanowires), and Au nanowire group arrays, respectively, and their respective properties are analyzed from theoretical, simulated, and numerical aspects. When detection is performed, the presence of both evanescent wave and electric field forces in the Au nanowire group array combines to significantly improve the sensor’s detection capability. Detection simulation analysis was performed using COMSOL Multiphysics software. The range of refractive indices that can be detected is 1.08 to 1.37 in the optical band from 1210 nm to 2140 nm. In the detection range, the maximum sensitivity of the detected wavelength is 13,000 nm/RIU. Our proposed sensor has a broad range, high sensitivity, and low refractive index detection, and has good research value and application prospects.