Optical current sensor immune to reflection phase shift based on graded-index magneto-optical glass

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Materials Science
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Optical current sensors are crucial for electrical power systems.
• Reflection phase shifts can limit the sensitivity and accuracy of existing sensors.
• Magneto-optical materials are key components in current sensing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a new bulk glass optical current sensor design.
• To achieve immunity to reflection phase shifts.
• To enhance sensor sensitivity through novel optical path management.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an annular graded-index magneto-optical glass with a prism as the sensing head.
• Designed gradient refractive indices in the inner and outer layers, with a uniform center layer.
• Performed theoretical analysis and numerical simulations to model beam traces and optimize parameters.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated that under specific conditions, the light beam avoids the magneto-optical glass-air interface.
• Confirmed essential elimination of reflection phase shift.
• Showcased significant potential for enhanced sensor sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• The proposed sensor design effectively overcomes reflection phase shift limitations.
• The graded-index magneto-optical glass configuration offers a pathway to highly sensitive optical current sensing.
• Numerical simulations provide guidance for optimizing geometrical parameters for practical implementation.