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Refractive index sensor based on an abrupt taper Michelson interferometer in a single-mode fiber
Zhaobing Tian1, Scott S-H Yam, Hans-Peter Loock
1Department of Physics, Engineering Physics, and Astronomy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada. tianzhaobing@gmail.com
Optics Letters
|May 17, 2008
Summary
A novel fiber optic sensor using a Michelson interferometer demonstrates effective refractive index sensing. Its simple, low-cost fabrication makes it a viable alternative for various sensing applications.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Optical Sensing
- Fiber Optic Technology
- Interferometry
Background:
- Refractive index sensors are crucial for various applications, including chemical and biological detection.
- Existing fiber optic sensors, such as long-period grating (LPG) sensors, offer good sensitivity but can be complex to fabricate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a simple, low-cost refractive index sensor based on a Michelson interferometer in a single-mode fiber.
- To evaluate the sensor's performance and compare its sensitivity to existing technologies.
Main Methods:
- Construction of a sensor using a single-mode fiber with a symmetrically abrupt taper region.
- Coating the fiber end with a thin layer of gold (approximately 500 nm).
- Utilizing a Michelson interferometer configuration for sensing.
Main Results:
- Successful construction and demonstration of the refractive index sensor.
- Achieved sensitivity comparable to that of long-period-grating-type sensors.
- Highlighted the sensor's ease of fabrication.
Conclusions:
- The proposed Michelson interferometer-based fiber optic sensor is a cost-effective and simple alternative for refractive index sensing.
- The sensor's performance is competitive with more complex existing technologies.
- This technology has potential for widespread adoption in various sensing fields.
