Chalcogenide microstructured optical fibers for chemical sensing

摘要: Chalcogenide glasses are known for their transparency in the infrared optical range and their ability to be drawn as fibers. Such optical fibers can transmit light from 2 to 20 μm depending on the composition of the glass constituting the fiber. They are consequently good candidates to be used in biological/chemical sensing. Different types of fiber can be used: single index fibers or microstructured fibers. Besides, a new configuration of microstructured fibers has been developed: microstructured exposed-core fibers. This design consists of an optical fiber with a suspended micron-scale core that is partially exposed to the external environment.