Modeling of nanoparticle-induced Rayleigh–Gans scattering for nanofiber optical sensing

Based on Rayleigh–Gans scattering theory of spherical particles and evanescent-wave guiding properties of nanofibers, we calculate the scattered power of nanoparticles in the vicinity of typical waveguiding nanofibers. It shows that, by optimizing the wavelength of the probing light and the diameter of the nanofiber, nanoparticle-induced scattering intensity can reach detectable level with possibilities for single-molecule detection. Results presented in this work suggest a simple approach to high-sensitivity nanofiber optical sensing of nanoparticles in aqueous solutions.