A Study on chalocgenide Based Photonic Crystal Fibers For Sensing Applications

Chalcogenide photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) have emerged as a transformative platform for sensing applications, particularly in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectral range. The unique optical properties of chalcogenide glasses, including a broad transparency window (2–16 μm), high refractive index, and exceptional nonlinear coefficients, make them ideal for detecting molecular vibrational signatures in this region. This review synthesizes recent advancements in the field, covering the material properties and fabrication techniques of chalcogenide PCFs, their sensing mechanisms, and applications. Key sensing methods, such as evanescent wave spectroscopy and stimulated Brillouin scattering, are explored, alongside innovative strategies like tapering, dispersion engineering, and microstructuring to optimize performance. Challenges in fabrication, environmental stability, and scalability are critically examined, with an emphasis on ongoing efforts to address these limitations. Finally, the paper highlights future directions for enhancing the reliability, scalability, and commercial viability of chalcogenide PCF-based sensors. The versatile design flexibility and exceptional material properties of chalcogenide PCFs position them as a promising technology for advancing sensing applications across diverse fields, including environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, and industrial process control