Theoretical Study of Surface Plasmon Resonance-based Fiber Optic Sensor Utilizing Cobalt and Nickel Films

A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based fiber optic sensor with cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) layers (one layer at a time) is theoretically analyzed. The sensitivity of sensor increases linearly with increase in refractive index of sensing medium for all thicknesses of Co and Ni layers. Besides it, SPR sensor with Co layer has been shown to demonstrate higher sensitivity than that of Ni layer. The usage of Co in place of noble metals (such as gold and silver) curtails the cost of SPR sensor. Optimized thicknesses of Co and Ni layers are found to be 80 nm and 60 nm, respectively.