Transmission properties of the single mode fiber with a cross-sectional micro-channel investigated using time-domain finite difference (FDTD) method

Light scattering by a micro-channel intersecting core of a single mode fiber (SMF) has been investigated by use of two dimensional time-domain finite difference (2D-FDTD) method and the numerical results are in good agreement with those reported in the experiments. The transmission properties of the SMF with such a micro-channel can be attributed to the combined results of scattering effect and FP resonance effect. It is suggested that the SMF with micro-channel of about 4–6 μm in diameter can be effectively used for refractive index sensing with a high refractive index resolution up to ∼10−5.

► Light scattering by a micro-channel intersecting the core of a SMF is simulated by use of 2D-FDTD method.
► The transmission properties are the combined results of scattering effect and FP resonance effect.
► The SMF with micro-channel of 4–6 μm in diameter can be used for refractive index sensing with index resolution up to ∼10−5.