Simple model of compound waveguide structures used as fiber-optic sensors

In this work we present an application of a simple quasi-geometrical model to analyze the behavior of compound waveguide structures used as fiber-optic sensors. This theoretical model is based on the adjustment of the parameters of the structure from the experimental measures to predict the observed behavior of the device. It also takes into account the non-monocromaticity of the used source. In this way, it can be used as a design criterion for this kind of structures. It is applied to a refractive index fiber-optic sensor based on the excitation of surface plasmon in a metal layer by the light guided by a monomode fiber.