Miniature all-fiber force sensor

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Optical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Miniaturized sensors are crucial for precise measurements in confined spaces.
• Fiber optic sensors offer advantages in biocompatibility and electromagnetic immunity.
• Fabry-Perot interferometry provides a robust platform for sensing applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel miniature all-fiber Fabry-Perot sensor for force measurement.
• To demonstrate the sensor's capability for high-resolution force detection.
• To explore its application in measuring surface tension and examining biological samples.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a thin silica diaphragm at the fiber tip.
• Integration of a silica pole and sensing probe for force application.
• Experimental characterization of the sensor's force sensing resolution and range.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a force sensing resolution of approximately 0.6 µN.
• Achieved an unambiguous sensor measurement range of approximately 0.6 mN.
• Successfully applied the sensor for surface tension measurements and biological sample examination.

Conclusions:

• The developed miniature all-fiber Fabry-Perot sensor is effective for precise force measurement.
• Its high resolution and compact size make it suitable for delicate applications.
• The sensor shows promise for advanced surface tension analysis and biomedical diagnostics.