Analysis of a plastic optical fiber-based displacement sensor

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Plastic optical fibers (POF) offer a cost-effective and robust alternative for sensing applications.
• Optical fiber sensors are increasingly utilized for their immunity to electromagnetic interference and remote sensing capabilities.
• Developing simple, manufacturable sensors for displacement, force, and pressure is crucial for various industrial and medical fields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze an easy-to-manufacture displacement sensor based on plastic optical fiber (POF).
• To investigate the sensor's potential as a force or pressure transducer.
• To present computational and experimental results validating the sensor's performance.

Main Methods:

• A displacement sensor setup utilizing a bent section of POF around a flexible cylinder was designed.
• Computational analysis was performed to model light attenuation as a function of side deformation and design parameters.
• An experimental prototype was constructed and tested to validate the computational findings.

Main Results:

• The study demonstrates a correlation between applied side pressure/force and measured light attenuation in the POF.
• Computational models accurately predicted the sensor's response to deformation.
• Experimental results from the prototype confirmed the feasibility and performance of the POF-based sensor.

Conclusions:

• The developed POF sensor is easily manufactured and effective for displacement sensing.
• The sensor can be readily adapted into a force or pressure transducer.
• This technology offers a promising, low-cost sensing solution for various applications.