Gold Nanoshells Coated 'U' Bend Optical Fiber for Near Infra-red LSPR Based Refractive Index Sensing

The advent of nanostructures with localized surface plasmon resonance extending into the near infrared region has opened avenues for optical absorbance based sensors operating in this region. Sensing using the near infrared band has been known to confer many advantages, particularly for biosensing. Here we explore the basic refractive index sensing capabilities of such a sensor, made by coating gold nanoshells on a 'U' shaped optical fiber, as a prelude for its later application in biosensing.