Evanescent-field photonic microcells and their applications in sensing

Abstract This paper reports the results of our recent studies on evanescent-field photonic microcells (PMCs) made by post-processing commercial micro-structured optical fibers and by encapsulating tapered micro/nano fibers within glass capillaries. The PMCs have a wavelength/sub-wavelength scale wave-guiding core housed within a miniature hollow compartment. The housing isolates the waveguide core from external contamination and provides a robust platform for efficient evanescent field interaction with the materials filling the compartment. The techniques for fabrication are described and the applications of the PMCs for sensing temperature, gas pressure, refractive index and mechanical acceleration are discussed.