Refractive index sensitivity characteristic of long-period grating in holey fiber with dual-channel measuring method

Dual-channel measuring method based on long-period grating in holey fiber (LPHFG) is proposed, in which cladding mode interacts with medium filled in air holes and surrounding LPHFG simultaneously. Mode coupling properties and resonance spectral response of LPHFG are numerically investigated with respect to refractive index sensitivity characteristic to the variation of medium with dual-channel measuring method. It is proved that dual-channel measuring method can enhance the index sensitivity characteristic, which can be further improved by elaborately choosing appropriate cladding mode. Dual-channel measuring method provides an excellent alternative to the index-based sensors and detectors. Cladding mode in holey fiber with special radius is very sensitive to the variation of wavelength and medium, and it can turn into high-order or low-order cladding mode. The characteristics of cladding mode to wavelength and medium could be used to optimize the index-based sensor, and it also can be used in mode conversion.