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Development of Whispering Gallery Mode Polymeric Micro-optical Electric Field Sensors
Published on: January 29, 2013
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Wireless whispering-gallery-mode sensor for thermal sensing and aerial mapping
Xiangyi Xu1, Weijian Chen1, Guangming Zhao1
11Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130 USA.
Light, Science & Applications
|October 3, 2018
Summary
This study introduces the first wireless photonic sensor node using whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) optical resonators for the Internet of Things (IoT). These sensors offer electromagnetic interference immunity and high sensitivity for environmental monitoring applications.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Sensor Technology
- Internet of Things (IoT)
Background:
- Wireless sensors in IoT are often electronic and susceptible to electromagnetic interference.
- Optical sensors, particularly those using resonators, offer immunity to interference and enhanced sensitivity.
- Whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) resonators enable compact, highly sensitive optical sensing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the first wireless photonic sensor node based on a WGM optical resonator.
- To evaluate the performance of WGM sensors in practical environmental monitoring scenarios.
- To explore the potential of WGM sensors for large-scale deployment in the IoT.
Main Methods:
- Development of a wireless photonic sensor node utilizing a WGM optical resonator.
- Control of the sensor node via a customized iOS application.
- Testing in real-time air temperature measurement and aerial temperature mapping using a drone.
Main Results:
- Successful demonstration of a wireless WGM optical sensor node.
- Real-time air temperature measurement over 12 hours achieved.
- Aerial temperature distribution mapping performed using a drone-mounted sensor.
Conclusions:
- WGM optical sensors show significant capability for practical IoT applications.
- The developed wireless photonic sensor node offers a promising alternative to electronic sensors.
- This work may facilitate the widespread adoption of WGM sensors in the IoT ecosystem.
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