High-resolution photoelastic pressure sensor using low-birefringence fiber

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Fiber optic sensing
• Materials science

Background:

• Lateral forces induce birefringence in optical fibers.
• Birefringence can be exploited for sensor applications.
• High-resolution force and pressure sensing remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of lateral force-induced birefringence in single-mode fibers for high-resolution force/pressure measurement.
• To develop and calibrate a novel fiber optic sensor configuration.
• To determine the sensitivity and performance limits of the proposed sensor.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a single-mode fiber sensor configuration.
• Applied calibrated weights to investigate the sensor's response.
• Measured the induced birefringence due to lateral forces.
• Employed an extended detecting surface for enhanced sensitivity.

Main Results:

• The sensor demonstrated high resolution in measuring absolute force and pressure.
• Achieved sensitivity to incremental forces as low as 2 x 10(-3) N.
• The sensor's performance was independent of fiber length.
• Maximum applied force reached 10 N/m of fiber length.

Conclusions:

• Lateral force-induced birefringence in single-mode fibers offers a viable method for high-resolution force/pressure sensing.
• The developed sensor configuration shows promise for practical applications requiring precise force detection.
• The sensor's independence of fiber length simplifies implementation and scalability.