Optical Fiber Sensors by Direct Laser Processing: A Review.

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Engineering
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Laser micro/nano processing has significantly increased the complexity and capabilities of optical fiber sensors.
• These advanced sensors offer new possibilities for diverse applications, particularly in industrial and medical fields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review key transducing structures in optical fiber sensors fabricated using laser processing.
• To highlight advancements in fiber Bragg gratings, cladding waveguides, microcavities, and enhanced Rayleigh backscattering fibers.

Main Methods:

• Focus on direct-write techniques for fiber Bragg gratings inscription.
• Detailed study of laser inscription configurations for cladding waveguide structures.
• Analysis of femtosecond laser irradiation and chemical etching for microcavity fabrication.
• Discussion of femtosecond laser dots inscription for enhanced Rayleigh backscattering fibers.

Main Results:

• Fiber Bragg gratings, cladding waveguides, and in-fiber microcavities are crucial laser-processed structures for optical sensing.
• Femtosecond laser techniques enable advanced optofluidic sensing and biophotonic devices.
• Enhanced Rayleigh backscattering fibers offer new sensing possibilities.

Conclusions:

• Laser processing is pivotal in developing sophisticated optical fiber sensors for various sectors.
• The reviewed techniques and structures represent the forefront of optical fiber sensing technology.
• Future advancements in laser-fabricated optical fibers promise expanded sensing capabilities.