Signal-processing algorithm for white-light optical fiber extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric sensors.

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics and Photonics
• Optical Fiber Sensing
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric (EFPI) sensors are widely used for various sensing applications.
• Accurate measurement of cavity length in EFPI sensors is crucial for reliable data.
• Existing methods often face limitations in achieving both high resolution and a wide dynamic range simultaneously.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel signal-processing algorithm for single-mode optical fiber EFPI sensors.
• To enable simultaneous high-resolution, absolute measurement of cavity length and a large dynamic measurement range.

Main Methods:

• Development of an accurate model for fiber-optic sensor characteristics.
• Incorporation of phase shift due to light coupling from the second surface to the lead-in fiber end.
• Implementation of a new signal-processing algorithm based on the refined sensor model.

Main Results:

• The proposed algorithm successfully achieves high-resolution, absolute cavity length measurement.
• The algorithm demonstrates a large dynamic measurement range, overcoming previous limitations.
• Simultaneous achievement of high resolution and large dynamic range is validated.

Conclusions:

• The novel signal-processing algorithm significantly enhances the performance of optical fiber EFPI sensors.
• This advancement allows for more precise and versatile measurements in demanding applications.
• The accurate sensor model is key to achieving simultaneous high-resolution and wide dynamic range measurements.