Amplifying fibre optic sensor signals with graphene oxide-silver nanostars / Azib Haiman Roslan ... [et al.]

Fibre optics find extensive use across various sectors including telecommunications, mechanical inspections, communications, and medical biosensor detection [1]. Fibre optics is made up of glass or silicon rods where the light passes through the rod over long distances with minimal loss [2]. These fibre optics are famous for their lightweight, sturdiness, and sensitiveness in light, making them suitable to be applied in small and tight spaces. When light encounters the surface of the core fibre, total internal reflection (TIF) occurs within the medium as the light hits the surface at angles exceeding the critical angle [3]. Through repeated occurrences of TIF, an evanescent field is generated outside the medium, producing evanescent waves as light traverses along [4]. In sensing applications, these waves serve as sensors by detecting changes in light sensitivity, refractive index, biology detections, and gas detection [5]. Consequently, various methods have been explored to enhance the optical performance of fibre optics. Among these methods, the recent application of noble metal nanoparticles to fibre optics has gained attention due to the unique capabilities of these nanoparticles as enhancers for optical sensors.