Sensing with suspended-core optical fibers

The development of optical fibers with suspended cores has enabled the demonstration of a range of powerful new techniques for chemical and biological sensing. Here the fabrication, design and application of this new class of fibers are reviewed. The performance and potential of sensors based on these fibers is evaluated, including dip sensors for sensing small sample volumes, exposed-core fibers for real-time and distributed measurements, and surface functionalized fibers for the specific detection of chemicals and biomolecules.