Optimization in nanocoated D-shaped optical fiber sensors

Nanocoated D-shaped optical fibers have been proven as effective sensors. Here, we show that the full width at half minimum (FWHM) of lossy mode resonance can be reduced by optimizing the nanocoating width, thickness and refractive index. As a counterpart, several resonances are observed in the optical spectrum for specific conditions. These resonances are caused by multiple modes guided in the nanocoating. By optimizing the width of the coating and the imaginary part of its refractive index, it is possible to isolate one of these resonances, which allows one to reduce the full width at half minimum of the device and, hence, to increase the figure of merit. Moreover, it is even possible to avoid the need of a polarizer by designing a device where the resonance bands for TE and TM polarization are centered at the same wavelength. This is interesting for the development of optical filters and sensors with a high figure of merit. (C) 2017 Optical Society of America