A Review of Microfiber-Based Temperature Sensors

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Optical microfibers are increasingly utilized for temperature sensing across industrial sectors like biomedical, geological, automotive, and defense.
• Key advantages include high sensitivity, fast response, wide dynamic range, compactness, robustness, and remote/in-situ measurement capabilities in harsh environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of optical microfiber-based temperature sensors.
• To categorize existing microfiber temperature sensing technologies.
• To summarize the performance characteristics of various microfiber sensor designs.

Main Methods:

• Review and categorization of existing literature on optical microfiber temperature sensors.
• Classification into two primary sensor categories: resonant and non-resonant.
• Detailed examination of specific sensor types within each category.

Main Results:

• Resonant microfiber sensors include loop, knot, and coil resonators.
• Non-resonant microfiber sensors encompass functionally coated/doped microfibers, microfiber couplers, optical gratings, and interferometers.
• Reported performances of various microfiber temperature sensors are summarized.

Conclusions:

• Optical microfibers represent a versatile platform for advanced temperature sensing.
• The reviewed sensor categories offer distinct advantages for specific industrial applications.
• Further research can leverage these designs for enhanced performance and novel applications.