A theoretical model using ray tracing method is developed. The results predicted by the model were confirmed by experimental results. The model could explain the experimentally observed fact that the maximum signal for a given realistic tapered length is at a probe radius smaller than that expected from V-number matching condition. It is shown that for obtaining maximum fluorescence signal from an evanescent wave fiber optic biosensor a realistic optimum taper length needs to be chosen. We found that different detection environments require different taper lengths at a given taper angle. These facts were confirmed experimentally.

Date Published: 7 February 2008
PDF: 10 pages
Proc. SPIE 6852, Optical Fibers and Sensors for Medical Diagnostics and Treatment Applications VIII, 68520U (7 February 2008); doi: 10.1117/12.771414

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 6852:
Optical Fibers and Sensors for Medical Diagnostics and Treatment Applications VIII
Israel Gannot, Editor(s)