Abstract
This paper presents a modification of the refractive-index (RI) response of an
intermodal interferometer based on photonic crystal fiber (PCF) using a thin
plasma-deposited silicon nitride (SiN<sub>x</sub>) overlay with a high refractive index.
We show that the film overlay can effectively change the distribution of the cladding
modes and thus tune the RI sensitivity of the interferometer. Thanks to the nano-coating
we were able to increase the RI sensitivity eightfold in the range required for
biosensors (n<sub>D</sub> ~1.33). Due to the extreme hardness of
SiN<sub>x</sub> films and their excellent adhesion to the fiber surface, we believe that
after the film deposition the device will still maintain its advantages, i.e., lack of
degradation over time or with temperature.
© 2011 IEEE
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