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Published on: April 26, 2014
Pressure measurement based on a multimode phase retarder plastic optical fiber
Rei A Furukawa1, Akihiro Tagaya, Yasuhiro Koike
1Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Japan. fururei@a5.keio.jp
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|April 2, 2010
Summary
Researchers developed a novel plastic optical fiber sensor for precise polarimetric pressure measurement. This innovative fiber shows high sensitivity and a simple design, offering a promising alternative for pressure detection applications.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Materials Science
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Optical fiber sensors offer non-intrusive measurement capabilities.
- Plastic optical fibers (POFs) provide flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
- Polarimetric sensing leverages changes in light polarization for measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a polarimetric pressure sensor using a novel multimode phase retarder plastic optical fiber.
- To optimize the copolymer composition for maximum pressure response.
- To develop a simple, single-fiber sensor design with high sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of plastic optical fibers from a birefringence-controllable copolymer.
- Characterization of fiber performance by varying copolymer composition.
- Evaluation of the extinction ratio to determine optimal fiber composition.
- Testing the sensor's response to applied pressure (0-0.06 MPa).
Main Results:
- An optimal copolymer composition was identified for pronounced pressure response.
- A linear relationship between fiber birefringence and applied pressure was established.
- The single-fiber sensor demonstrated detection capabilities comparable to Mach-Zehnder interferometers.
- A polarimetric sensitivity of 1.56 x 10(-5) MPa(-1) was experimentally achieved.
Conclusions:
- The developed multimode phase retarder plastic optical fiber is effective for polarimetric pressure sensing.
- The simple, single-fiber sensor design offers a practical solution for pressure measurement.
- This technology presents a viable alternative to complex interferometric sensor systems.
