Optimization of tapered microfiber humidity sensors with molybdenum disulfide coating

Norhafizah Burham; Norazida Ali; Muhamad Afiq Aiman Mazlan; Muhamad Razin Aiman Rizal; Aziati Husna Awang; Norhana Arsad

doi:10.58915/ijneam.v18i2.2121

Authors

Norhafizah Burham Integrated Microelectronics System and Applications (IMSaA), School of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Norazida Ali Photonics Technology Laboratory, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia and Department of Electrical Engineering, Politeknik Mersing, 86800 Mersing, Johor, Malaysia
Muhamad Afiq Aiman Mazlan Integrated Microelectronics System and Applications (IMSaA), School of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Muhamad Razin Aiman Rizal Integrated Microelectronics System and Applications (IMSaA), School of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Aziati Husna Awang Integrated Microelectronics System and Applications (IMSaA), School of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Norhana Arsad Photonics Technology Laboratory, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58915/ijneam.v18i2.2121

Abstract

This study focuses on developing and optimizing a new optical sensor using tapered microfiber (TMF) for humidity sensing in the 30-80% Relative Humidity (%RH) range. The TMF was fabricated with varying heating lengths (3-6 mm) and waist diameters (3-7 µm), and its performance was tested using a tunable light source and an optical power meter. Results showed that a 5 mm TMF with a 3 µm waist diameter provided the best stability and sensitivity for humidity sensing. Additionally, coating the TMF with Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) nanoflakes improved sensitivity by 20-50%, with an error margin of less than 5%. The optimized sensor achieved a sensitivity of -0.244 dB/% and over 97% linearity, demonstrating its potential for precise humidity detection in environmental applications.