High-sensitivity intrinsic fiber-optic Fabry-Perot pressure sensor.

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Traditional pressure sensors often have limitations in dynamic response or size.
• Fiber optic sensors offer potential advantages in harsh environments and remote sensing applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and analyze a new pressure sensor configuration based on a fiber Fabry-Perot interferometer (FFPI).
• To demonstrate the feasibility and performance of the FFPI pressure sensor through theoretical analysis and experimental validation.

Main Methods:

• A single-mode fiber containing an FFPI was bonded to a stainless-steel diaphragm and sensor housing.
• The fiber was tensioned to ensure strain proportional to diaphragm deflection.
• Theoretical analysis related interferometer phase change to applied pressure.
• Dynamic response was tested using an air pump and compared to a conventional sensor.

Main Results:

• The FFPI sensor design effectively translates diaphragm motion into fiber strain.
• Theoretical analysis predicted a clear relationship between pressure and interferometer phase shift.
• Experimental results showed good agreement between the FFPI sensor's dynamic response and a conventional pressure sensor.

Conclusions:

• The described FFPI configuration presents a viable new design for pressure sensing.
• The sensor demonstrates accurate dynamic response, suitable for various pressure monitoring applications.
• This fiber optic approach offers a promising alternative to conventional pressure sensors.