Mid-Infrared Gas Detection Using a Chalcogenide Suspended-Core Fiber

A fast-response mid-infrared gas sensor based on a chalcogenide suspended-core fiber with microchannels fabricated by a tightly focused femtosecond laser pulse was demonstrated. Chalcogenide four-hole suspended-core fiber was fabricated by extrusion and exhibited the lowest transmission loss of 1 dB/m at 4.7 μm. The 50-μm-diameter solid core in the suspended-core fiber was protected by an outside solid jacket to avoid other environmental factors, such as dust and liquid pollution and touch damage. To increase gas filling rate, we introduced microchannels on the side of the suspended-core fiber by femtosecond laser writing to allow gases to enter into the fiber and fully interact with the core. The distribution, shape, and size of the channels could be controlled by laser writing technology. The engineered technique showed the advantage of increased minor loss in the suspended-core fiber. Methane gas sensing utilizing evanescent wave in the core was carried out in the prepared suspended-core fiber with several hundred microchannels. The methane sensitivity was 100 ppm, and the response time was estimated to be less than 20 s.