Simultaneous and accurate detection of multiple physical and biochemical parameters, such as refractive index (RI) and temperature, is critically important in complex sensing environments, including biological analysis and cancer cell detection. Photonic crystal fiber sensors based on surface plasmon resonance (PCF-SPR) have attracted considerable attention due to their high sensitivity and compact structure. However, achieving ultra-wide RI detection ranges, effective temperature compensation, and low cross-sensitivity within a single fiber platform remains a significant challenge, particularly when higher-order mode excitation and polarization selectivity are required.

The purpose of this study is to propose and numerically investigate a dual-channel PCF-SPR sensor capable of simultaneous RI and temperature sensing over an ultra-wide range, while achieving polarization-resolved mode excitation and reduced cross-interference between sensing channels.

An anchor-shaped asymmetric photonic crystal fiber with orthogonally polished semi-circular surfaces is designed. Gold (Au) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) thin films are selectively deposited on different polished surfaces to construct two independent SPR sensing channels. Polarization-resolved excitation of high-order modes is achieved through structural asymmetry and selective coating. A full-vector finite-element method based on COMSOL Multiphysics is employed to analyze mode distributions, loss spectra, and resonance wavelength shifts. Key structural parameters, including air-hole geometry and metal-dielectric layer thicknesses, are systematically optimized to enhance plasmonic coupling strength and mode confinement.

Simulation results indicate that the x-polarized channel coated with Au and PDMS exhibits dual sensitivity to RI and temperature, whereas the y-polarized channel coated only with Au responds exclusively to RI variations of another analyte. The proposed sensor achieves an ultra-wide RI detection range from 1.21 to 1.44, with a maximum RI sensitivity of 14 500 nm/RIU. The temperature sensing range spans from −100 ℃ to 100 ℃, and a peak temperature sensitivity of 4 nm/℃ is obtained. Clear polarization-dependent resonance characteristics and effective channel decoupling are demonstrated.

The proposed dual-channel anchor-shaped PCF-SPR sensor combines ultra-wide RI detection, temperature sensing capability, and polarization-resolved selectivity within a compact fiber structure. Its high sensitivity, flexible channel configuration, and strong resistance to cross-interference make it a promising platform for real-time multi-parameter sensing in complex biological and chemical applications, such as cancer cell detection and biochemical analysis.