Theoretical study of slab waveguide optical sensor with left-handed material as a core layer

A three-layer planar waveguide sensor consisting of thin left-handed material core layer is investigated for sensing applications. The sensitivity of the proposed sensor to the changes in the refractive index of the cladding is presented and studied for TE-polarized light. It is observed that the sensitivity of the proposed sensor is improved compared to that of the conventional three-layer slab waveguide sensor. It is also found that the sensitivity of the structure proposed is negative and critically dependent on the dispersive permittivity and permeability of the core layer.