Highly sensitive nano-photonic embedded sensor

This paper will detail a novel enabling fiber optic sensor based on the use of a photonic crystal structure embedded in the core of a fiber. We will start by briefly introducing photonic crystals (PCs) and reviewing fiber optics (FOs) used as sensors for mechanical deformations. We will then show that embedding PC structures into standard monomode FOs allows for highly sensitive detection of mechanical deformations. Finally, we will detail the sensing mechanism principle and evaluate its sensitivity. Extensive simulation results have been performed. They support our claim that embedded PCs can be used to sense mechanical deformations down to tens of pico-meters range.