A multi-channel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probe based on a multi-core photonic crystal fiber (PCF) is
investigated. The multi-core fiber contains seven hollow core PCFs arranging in a compact hexagon pattern that one PCF
is in the center with six other surrounded, and the total diameter including the protective jacket is less than 200μm. The
seven PCFs can guide light respectively, providing seven channels for sensing. The excitation light is coupled into each
core from one end (measuring-tip) of the fiber while the sample entrance is at the other end (probing-tip). Analyte
solution mixed with the silver nanoparticles enters each core via the capillary effect, and the silver nanoparticles serve as
the SERS substrate. The excitation light transmitting in each hollow core can interact directly with the analyte and the
silver nanoparticles in the air cores along the fiber axis. The SERS signal scattered by the sample propagates through the
fiber back to the measuring-tip; then couples out of the fiber into the Raman spectrometer. Comparing to a single core
PCF SERS probe, the multi-core probe not only takes the advantages of high efficiency of light usage and large
interaction space for SERS in each channel, but also is more robust and could provide multi-data. Basing on the seven
data of the analyte from the seven channels, an accurate average result could be achieved with less instability. Different
concentration Rhodamine 6G solutions have been used as test samples, and the multi-channel sensing idea has been
demonstrated by the proof-of-concept experiments.
Detection of biological samples in low concentration is of great significance to the basic research in science, the
development of medical technology and many other fields related to our lives. Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering
(SERS), well-known as a powerful analytical tool with high sensitivity, is especially suitable for biomolecule detection
as it enables near infrared (NIR) excitation and label-free detection. SERS probe made of conventional optical fiber
provides better flexibility in detection; however, it requires a complicated fabrication process and doesn't serve as a
well-set detecting platform. In this talk we propose and demonstrate a photonic crystal fiber (PCF) based SERS probe,
which has the new advantages of simplicity in fabrication, better light confinement and increased light-analyte
interaction volume. The PCF-based SERS probes are prepared in three different ways: mixed solution of sample and
gold nanoparticles filled in air holes of PCF, sample solution dried in gold coated air holes and sample solution filled in
gold coated air holes, respectively. Sample solution of adenine is in concentration of about 10-6M. Almost every
characteristic peak of adenine can be observed in the spectra detected by each of the three probes.
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