Plasmonic sensor based on tapered optical fibers and magnetic fluids for measuring magnetic fields

Abstract

We present a new sensor based on the combination of Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) with magneto-refractive materials. We use doubly-deposited uniform-waist tapered optical fibers (DLUWTs), that have shown their good performance and versatility as refractometers, and magnetic fluids as transducers to measure magnetic fields in an all-optical-fiber configuration. We experimentally show the feasibility of our approach, by demonstrating the physical principle of the device and characterizing the performance of the sensors, which show very good sensitivity and resolution. In this way, we propose a new field of development for SPR optical fiber sensors to extend the field of application of the plasmonics-based technologies.