Side-hole photonic crystal fiber with ultrahigh polarimetric pressure sensitivity

We propose a side-hole polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber (PM-PCF) with ultrahigh polarimetric sensitivity to hydrostatic pressure. The proposed fiber has a very simple structure with a core surrounded by a double row of large air holes and a central row of small air holes. A pair of ultralarge side holes was symmetrically introduced into the silica cladding of the fiber to enhance the polarimetric response to hydrostatic pressure. Modal birefringence B as large as 2.34 × 10-3and polarimetric pressure sensitivity dB/dp as high as -2.30 × 10-5MPa- 1were achieved at 1.55 μm for the proposed fiber. Combining the advantages of both side-hole fibers and PM-PCFs, it is believed to be an excellent candidate for future applications of hydrostatic pressure measurement.