Vibration sensing using a tapered bend-insensitive fiber based Mach-Zehnder interferometer

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Sensor Technology
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Vibration measurement is critical in many engineering applications.
• Existing sensors face limitations in dynamic range and environmental robustness.
• Fiber-optic sensors offer potential for high sensitivity and remote sensing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel fiber-optic sensor for comprehensive vibration measurement.
• To enhance sensor performance through a specialized fiber structure.
• To demonstrate the sensor's capability across a wide frequency spectrum.

Main Methods:

• Design and fabrication of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer using tapered bend-insensitive fiber.
• Incorporation of a double cladding structure and central coating for mechanical stability and signal uniformity.
• Experimental validation of the sensor's response to damped and continuous vibrations.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of damped vibration measurement within the 29-60 Hz range.
• Successful demonstration of continuous vibration detection from 1 Hz up to 500 kHz.
• The sensor exhibited enhanced mechanical strength and reduced susceptibility to external disturbances.

Conclusions:

• The developed fiber-optic sensor effectively measures a broad range of vibrations.
• The specialized in-fiber interferometer design enhances sensor durability and signal quality.
• This technology holds promise for advanced vibration monitoring applications.