A multichannel 2D photonic crystal fiber for gas detection

We show the possibility of identification of molecular gases with the help of a 2D photonic crystal fiber made of AR-Glass (Schott) and exhibiting waveguiding multichannel hollow cores fabricated by the stack and draw technology. The proposed approach consists of registration of specific features introduced by absorption of gas medium filling hollow channels on transmission spectra of the latter in the same spectral region. In the chosen working region between 5850 and 11 250 cm−1, experimental transmission spectra of waveguiding channels of the sample fiber are similar in shape and represent curves with three characteristic peaks of transmission. Using model gaseous media as an example, we demonstrate the possibility of presenting the results of identification in the form of a multidigit binary code. The conditions for further development of the proposed approach are discussed.