Optical fiber probe
View Patent ↗A biosensor having an optical fiber having at least one curved portion configured to enhance penetration of evanescent waves; and one or more nanoparticles associated with the optical fiber, and configured to enhance localized surface plasmon resonance.
1. A method comprising:
a.) providing a sensor comprising:
an optical fiber having a probe region having at least one curved portion configured to enhance penetration of evanescent waves; and
one or more nanoparticles in optical communication with the probe region, and configured to enhance localized surface plasmon resonance,
wherein at least a part of the probe region further comprises at least a first substantially straight portion, coated with nanoparticles, configured for exposure to a sample and a second substantially straight portion configured to avoid exposure to the sample, and
wherein the at least one curved portion comprises a coiled fiber; and
b.) exposing a sample to the curved portion of said sensor and detecting a difference in refractive index of the sample and a reference material.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising detecting a presence of an analyte in the sample and detecting a concentration of the analyte in the sample by said detected difference in refractive index.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the analyte comprises a biological molecule or a non-biological molecule.