Ultra-sensitive pressure sensor with low-temperature crosstalk based on the Vernier effect and helical structure

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Fiber optic sensing
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Traditional fiber optic sensors face limitations in sensitivity and temperature cross-sensitivity.
• The Vernier effect offers enhanced sensitivity but is susceptible to environmental interference.
• Developing robust, high-sensitivity pressure sensors is crucial for various industrial and scientific applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and experimentally verify a novel high-sensitivity fiber-optic pressure sensor.
• To enhance sensor sensitivity and reduce temperature interference using a helical structure and Vernier effect.
• To demonstrate a non-invasive encapsulation method for improved pressure detection.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the superposition of higher-order mode Mach-Zehnder interference and Sagnac fundamental mode polarization interference in a fiber ring to achieve the Vernier effect.
• Fabricating a non-invasive encapsulation structure to convert pressure into optical fiber twist angle.
• Experimentally validating sensor performance, including sensitivity and temperature cross-sensitivity.

Main Results:

• Achieved a detection sensitivity of -67277 nm/MPa, 65 times higher than conventional Vernier effect sensors.
• Demonstrated significantly reduced temperature cross-sensitivity (0.000065 kPa/°C).
• The helical structure and encapsulation effectively minimized interference from the detecting medium.

Conclusions:

• The proposed fiber-optic pressure sensor offers unprecedented sensitivity and robustness.
• The novel design effectively mitigates temperature interference, making it ideal for precise, low-crosstalk pressure measurements.
• This technology holds significant potential for advanced pressure sensing applications.