Ultrasensitive and stable pressure sensor based on tapered optical fibres

Micro/nanofibres have been emerging as an interdisciplinary platform for exploring novel sensing technology on the micro/nanoscale. This work proposes and demonstrates an ultrasensitive and stable pressure sensor based on the perturbation of adiabatic conditions during the optical mode evolving in the transition region. In our experiment, when attached to a glass slide, the sensor shows ultrahigh pressure sensitivity of 1.52 kPa − 1 which is about three times the sensitivity of the waist region. Simultaneously, the sensing region of the fibre has a diameter of tens of microns to provide a better mechanical structure strength. These preliminary results demonstrate that the sensor has the advantages of stable structure, high sensitivity, and simple preparation process, which may have potential in practical applications. • The pressure sensor is realized using the transition region of the micro/nanofiber. • The sensor has ultrahigh pressure sensitivity of 1.52 kPa −1 . • The sensing region has tens of microns in diameter, which provide a stable mechanics. • The substrate material of the sensor can be diversified to give it more functions.