A reflection-based localized surface plasmon resonance fiber-optic probe for biochemical sensing

We report the fabrication and characterization of an optical fiber biochemical sensing probe based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and spectra reflection. Ordered array of gold nanodots was fabricated on the optical fiber end facet using electron-beam lithography (EBL). We experimentally demonstrated for the first time the blue shift of the LSPR scattering spectrum with respected to the LSPR extinction spectrum, which had been predicted theoretically. High sensitivity [195.72 nm/refractive index unit (RIU)] of this sensor for detecting changes in the bulk refractive indices has been demonstrated. The label-free affinity bio-molecules sensing capability has also been demonstrated using biotin and streptavidin as the receptor and the analyte.