Refractive index sensor with extensive detection range using photonic crystal fiber based on surface plasmon resonance

The primary aim of this research is to employ a surface plasmon resonance-based sensor using a photonic crystal fiber (PCF) for the analyte RI in the range of 1.25–1.41. The sensor should have a remarkably small full width at half maxima (FWHM), precisely 33.78 nm. Plasmonic deposition of gold occurs in the form of a layer on the dual-sided core fiber’s polished surfaces. In order to attain a broad range of detection capabilities, plasmonic layer, i.e. gold is coated on the PCF’s outer surface. The proposed SPR sensor demonstrates maximum amplitude and wavelength sensitivities of 281.14 RIU⁻¹, and 3000 nm/RIU, respectively, with the obtained resolution of 3.33 × 10⁻⁵ RIU. The sensor exhibits a large detection range, which empowers it to discern an extensive array of biomaterials and analytes. Such entities include biological tissues, refrigerants, halogenated anesthetic agents, hemoglobin, tuberculosis cells, and malaria.