Ultrasonic signal detection based on Fabry-Perot cavity sensor

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Sensor Technology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Acoustic/ultrasonic sensors convert mechanical energy to electrical signals.
• Traditional ultrasonic detectors can be bulky.
• Fiber optic sensors offer miniaturization potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel, miniaturized fiber optic ultrasonic sensor.
• To demonstrate its feasibility for high-precision acoustic measurements.
• To explore its application in photoacoustic signal detection for biomedical fields.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a Fabry-Perot cavity on a double-clad fiber end face using two-photon three-dimensional lithography.
• Characterization of the sensor's performance for ultrasonic signal detection.
• Experimental validation of its precision and feasibility.

Main Results:

• A microcavity sensing unit with a diameter of 30 μm was successfully fabricated.
• The sensor demonstrated high precision in measuring ultrasonic signals.
• Experimental results proved the sensor's feasibility and effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• The developed fiber optic ultrasonic sensor offers a compact and high-precision alternative to larger ultrasonic detectors.
• Its small size and capabilities make it suitable for photoacoustic signal detection.
• Potential applications include medical diagnosis, photoacoustic endoscopy, and photoacoustic imaging in biomedical information technology.