Photonic bandgap fibers : scaling properties and biochemical sensing applications

Photonic crystal fiber (PCF) is a new class of optical fiber based on the properties of photonic crystals [1]. One specific category of PCF is photonic bandgap fiber (PBOF), which confine light by bandgap effects. Recently, the perspectives for the design of tunable PBGF-based devices, such as tunable filters or dispersion compensators, are further widened, due to the introduction of isotropic (refractive index oil) and anisotropic materials (liquid crystal) into the holey regions of the fibers. These novel tunable properties are also promising for the sensing applications. In this thesis, the bandgap formation and tunability after the PBOFs are filled with isotropic and anisotropic materials are studied. In addition, experiments are carried out to verify the theoretical models and analyze the performance of PBOFs based biochemical sensors.DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (SCBE