Miniature, micro-machined, fiber-optic Fabry-Perot voltage sensor

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Sensor Technology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Traditional voltage sensors can be bulky and susceptible to electromagnetic interference.
• There is a need for miniature, high-sensitivity sensors for precise voltage measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate a miniature Fabry-Perot voltage sensor at the tip of an optical fiber.
• To evaluate its performance for DC and AC voltage measurements within power grid frequency ranges.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a micro-machined, all-silica, opto-mechanical structure at the fiber tip.
• Utilizing the flexure of the structure due to electrostatic forces for voltage sensing.
• Experimental validation of sensor performance across different voltage ranges and resolutions.

Main Results:

• The sensor, less than 5 mm in length, demonstrated sufficient sensitivity for mid- and low-voltage ranges.
• Achieved experimental measurement ranges from 100 V to 1 KV, with resolutions as low as 0.1 V.
• Observed a parabolic response to applied voltage, adaptable via geometrical configuration.

Conclusions:

• The miniature Fabry-Perot optical fiber sensor is a viable technology for precise voltage measurements.
• Its compact size, sensitivity, and adaptability make it suitable for power grid applications.
• Further development can extend its capability to higher voltage ranges.