A review of microstructured optical fibers for sensing applications

Microstructured optical fibers, including not only photonic crystal fibers but also new types of fiber with different configurations on the cross section, are elaborately designed and they usually have special application purposes among which sensing is one of the most common. In this review we first summarize fabrication methods and transmission mechanisms of microstructured fibers. And then application examples using fibers with special and novel microstructures in strain/pressure/bending/twist, temperature, flow rate, electric/magnetic field, humidity, gas, refractive index and chemical/biochemical analyte sensing based on various principles are introduced. Finally, state of the art and developing trends as well as challenges faced by sensing technology based on microstructured optical fibers were discussed.