Characteristics of a new multi-channel sensing device based on C-type photonic crystal fibers.

• A new C-type photonic crystal fiber array was first proposed for multi-channel sensing. • Surface Plasmon Resonance was chosen as the sensing principle to get high sensitivity. • A gradual changing sensitivity of 13091 nm/RIU ~ 45322 nm/RIU was achieved. A new C-type photonic crystal fiber array was first proposed for multi-channel sensing. This design utilized the high birefringence characteristic of C-type structure and the excellent of photonic crystal array. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) was chosen as the sensing principle to get high sensitivity. Through a detailed optimization process, the planar array got an optimal structure model, whose inner layer pores and defect are the main sensing channels. If some analytes with different refractive indices were entered into these channels respectively, resonance -matching conditions would change, which would superimpose on the original birefringence effect and output multiple characteristic signals. Finally, in a multi-phase infiltration condition, the device showed 5 characteristic output peaks that corresponded to different analytes. A gradual changing sensitivity of 13,091–45,322 nm/RIU was achieved in a wide refractive index range (1.33–1.44). Such a new sensing device could be regarded as a multi-channel micro-laboratory, which had a great potential for simultaneous sensing of multiple component parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]