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Published on: April 26, 2014
Microfiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer based on long period grating for sensing applications.
Yanzhen Tan1, Li-Peng Sun, Long Jin
1Institute of Photonics Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
Optics Express
|February 8, 2013
Summary
We demonstrate a compact Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) using silica microfiber long period gratings (LPGs) for enhanced sensing. This microfiber LPG MZI offers high sensitivity to refractive index changes, ideal for biochemical applications.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Optical Sensing
- Fiber Optics
Background:
- Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs) are crucial for sensing applications.
- Long Period Gratings (LPGs) are commonly used in fiber optic sensors.
- Silica microfiber offers unique optical properties for device miniaturization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a compact MZI sensor based on LPGs in silica microfiber.
- To investigate the sensing performance for refractive index (RI) and temperature.
- To explore the potential for improved sensor performance using thinner microfibers.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of LPGs in silica microfiber using a pulsed CO2 laser.
- Construction of an MZI by combining two LPGs.
- Characterization of the MZI sensor's response to surrounding refractive index and temperature variations.
Main Results:
- A microfiber MZI sensor with a length as short as 8.84 mm was achieved.
- High sensitivity to surrounding refractive index (2225 nm/RIU) and low temperature sensitivity (11.7 pm/°C) were observed.
- Theoretical analysis indicated potential for further enhancement in sensitivity and resolution with thinner microfibers.
Conclusions:
- The demonstrated microfiber LPG MZI is a highly sensitive and compact sensor platform.
- Its ease of fabrication and excellent performance make it suitable for biochemical and medical sensing.
- Further development with thinner microfibers promises even greater sensing capabilities.
