Open AccessGraphene enhanced evanescent field in microfiber multimode interferometer for highly sensitive gas sensing
Author(s) -
Baicheng Yao,
Yu Wu,
A. Q. Zhang,
Yunjiang Rao,
Z. G. Wang,
Cheng Yang,
Yuan Gong,
W. L. Zhang,
Y. F. Chen,
Kin Seng Chiang
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.22.028154
Subject(s) - graphene , microfiber , materials science , cladding (metalworking) , optics , interferometry , evanescent wave , multi mode optical fiber , optical fiber , optoelectronics , nanotechnology , physics , metallurgy , composite material
Graphene based new physics phenomena are leading to a variety of stimulating graphene-based photonic devices. In this study, the enhancement of surface evanescent field by graphene cylindrical cladding is observed, for the first time, by using a graphene-coated microfiber multi-mode interferometer (GMMI). It is found theoretically and experimentally that the light transmitting in the fiber core is efficiently dragged by the graphene, hence significantly enhancing the evanescent fields, and subsequently improving the sensitivity of the hybrid waveguide. The experimental results for gas sensing verified the theoretical prediction, and ultra-high sensitivities of ~0.1 ppm for NH(3) gas detection and ~0.2 ppm for H(2)O vapor detection are achieved, which could be used for trace analysis. The enhancement of surface evanescent field induced by graphene may pave a new way for developing novel graphene-based all-fiber devices with compactness, low cost, and temperature immunity.