2D plasmonic tungsten oxide enabled ultrasensitive fiber optics gas sensor

Functional materials coated on optical fibers have demonstrated great potential for optical gas sensing applications. However, their sensitivity is typically limited to the sub-parts per million (sub-ppm) range. Here, for the first time a 2D near-infrared plasmonic tungsten oxide (WOx) enabled ultrasensitive fiber optics gas sensor on a side-polished D-shape single mode optical fiber is presented. The plasmon resonance wavelength range of 2D WOx is matched with a conventional telecommunications wavelength of 1550 nm for driving the optical fiber, therefore inducing a strong light–matter interaction. Upon the surface adsorption of gas molecules, free electrons in the 2D WOx body are redistributed changing the plasmon resonance properties and hence the transmission through the optical fiber. The sensor is selectively responsive to NO2 at concentrations down to 44 parts per billion (ppb) with a limit of detection of 8 ppb at a relatively low elevated temperature. Such an excellent sensing performance is significantly improved over the previously reported fiber optics NO2 sensors, which suggests the integration of 2D plasmonic degenerated semiconductors as a viable approach to develop high-performance fiber optics gas sensors.