High-performance temperature and pressure dual-parameter sensor based on a polymer-coated tapered optical fiber

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Materials Science
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Developing accurate and reliable sensors for simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters is crucial for environmental monitoring.
• Optical microfiber couplers (OMCs) offer potential for compact sensor design but require robust encapsulation for stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a compact, high-sensitivity sensor capable of simultaneously measuring temperature and pressure.
• To investigate the sensor's performance, stability, and suitability for marine applications.

Main Methods:

• Encapsulating an optical microfiber coupler (OMC) in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to create a dual-parametric sensor.
• Experimentally investigating the sensor's sensitivity to temperature and pressure across different wavelengths.
• Establishing a sensitivity matrix to address cross-sensitivity and enable simultaneous demodulation.
• Calibrating the sensitivity matrix to enhance demodulation accuracy and designing a protective shell for marine use.

Main Results:

• The sensor demonstrated high sensitivity to temperature (-2.283 nm/°C) and pressure (3.301 nm/MPa) in the C-band.
• The developed sensitivity matrix effectively overcame cross-sensitivity, allowing for accurate dual-parameter demodulation.
• The sensor exhibited good stability and repeatability, crucial for practical applications.

Conclusions:

• The PDMS-encapsulated OMC sensor provides a simple fabrication method, high sensitivity, and environmental adaptability.
• This sensor shows significant potential for real-time marine environmental monitoring due to its performance and designed protective shell.