Index-guiding liquid-core photonic crystal fiber for solution measurement using normal and surface-enhanced Raman scattering

摘要

We have explored the use of index-guiding liquid-core (LC) photonic crystal fiber (PCF) as a robust platform for measurements of solutions of trace volume using normal and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The LC PCF was fabricated by selectively sealing the cladding air channels at the distal ends of a hollow-core PCF while leaving the center core open, using a fusion splicer. Utilizing a 30-cm-long LC PCF with the entire center core filled with the ?0.1-?gL solution of interest, we have obtained normal Raman spectra of water, ethanol, and 1vol% ethanol in water. Sensitive and reproducible SERS detection of 1.7??10 -7M thiocyanate anions (?14ppb of NaSCN) in water has also been achieved.