Ultrasensitive Broadband Refractometer Based on Single Stress-Applying Fiber at Dispersion Turning Point

Optical microfiber-based refractometer, which relies on modal interference operating near the dispersion turning point (DTP), has attracted a high level of research interest. The ultrahigh sensitivity can be achieved by mitigating the group effective refractive index difference between the modes in the coupling. Through modifying the microfiber diameter, the group effective refractive index difference can be modified to zero which is defined as DTP. However, all the DTP-based sensors report low fabrication tolerance and narrow operation bandwidth of probing wavelength for the high-sensitivity region where the refractive index (RI) sensitivities higher than 10(4) nm/RIU can be achieved, which extremely limits the practical applications. To address the challenge, we manipulate and optimize the mode dispersion by using a tapered specially-designed single stress-applying fiber (SSAF). By introducing the stress-applying part (SAP) into the cladding, the wavelength sensitivity of the group effective RI difference can be significantly reduced through the flexibly engineerable control over the material index. In this way, the operation bandwidth is dramatically broadened for 500 nm in comparison with that of conventional microfiber with the same diameter based on DTP, indicating a broad range of optional probing wavelength and high fabrication tolerance. We experimentally verify the ultrahigh sensitivity and broadband operation around the DTP using an SSAF-based microfiber with a waist diameter of about 2.3 mu m. The maximum RI sensitivity of 30563 nm/RIU is obtained.

Automated summary

The optical microfiber-based refractometer relies on modal interference near the dispersion turning point (DTP) and has attracted significant research interest due to its ultrahigh sensitivity. However, DTP-based sensors have reported low fabrication tolerance and narrow operation bandwidth, limiting practical applications with higher refractive index sensitivities. To address this challenge, a specially-designed single stress-applying fiber (SSAF) has been used to manipulate and optimize mode dispersion, significantly reducing wavelength sensitivity of the group effective refractive index difference. This approach dramatically broadens the operation bandwidth to 500 nm, allowing for a wide range of optional probing wavelengths and high fabrication tolerance.