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Temperature-independent polymer optical fiber evanescent wave sensor
Nianbing Zhong1, Qiang Liao2, Xun Zhu2
1Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Modern Photoelectric Detection Technology and Instrument, Chongqing 400054, China.
Scientific Reports
|June 27, 2015
Summary
This study developed a temperature-independent polymer fiber-optic evanescent wave sensor. The novel sensor demonstrates consistent performance across a wide temperature range, overcoming a key limitation in fiber-optic sensing applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optical Engineering
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Polymer optical fibers offer advantages in sensors and telecommunications.
- A critical challenge for polymer optical fibers is their temperature dependency.
- This limits their application in environments with fluctuating temperatures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and achieve temperature-independent operation of a polymer fiber-optic evanescent wave sensor.
- To analyze the effects of temperature on fiber properties and sensor performance.
- To develop a stable and reliable sensor for various applications.
Main Methods:
- Explored temperature-induced variations in surface morphology, refractive index, and diameter of polymer optical fibers.
- Examined spectral transmission and light intensity changes under varying temperatures.
- Applied a heating-cooling treatment to stabilize fiber properties.
- Fabricated a U-shaped sensor using treated fibers and evaluated its performance in glucose solutions.
Main Results:
- Temperature changes significantly affected fiber surface morphology, refractive index, and diameter, impacting sensor sensitivity.
- A five-cycle heating-cooling treatment stabilized transmitted light intensity.
- Treated fibers exhibited a smooth surface, low refractive index, and larger diameter.
- The fabricated U-shaped sensor demonstrated significant temperature independence and consistency.
Conclusions:
- A novel heating-cooling treatment effectively mitigates temperature dependency in polymer fiber-optic evanescent wave sensors.
- The developed sensor maintains stable performance across a broad temperature range (10-70°C).
- This advancement enables more reliable polymer optical fiber sensor applications in diverse environments.
