Optimization of modal sensitivity in nanowire SPR multimode sensor

This paper presents a multimode fiber sensor that uses surface plasmon resonance on a metallic wire to measure refractive index. Numerical simulations based on the finite element method reveal the sensor supports several plasmon modes in the wire capable of coupling with the multiples optical fiber modes. Therefore, the sensor configuration creates multiple resonances at different wavelengths, with different values of the loss, sensitivity, among other parameters. Choosing the appropriate mode and filtering out the rest of the modes allows to optimize the sensor performance. In the present work a sensitivity of 5340nm/RlU and resolution of 1.87×10−6RlU were found.