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Robust Strain Sensor with High Sensitivity Based on Polymer-Encapsulated Microfiber Mach-Zehnder Interferometer.
Bin Xiao1, Funa Zhuang1, Jing Wang1
1Optics and Optoelectronics Laboratory, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China.
Polymers
|October 16, 2024
Summary
This study presents a robust microfiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MMZI) strain sensor encapsulated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The PDMS-encapsulated sensor exhibits significantly enhanced sensitivity and a fast response time, making it ideal for various applications.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Optical Sensing
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Fiber optic sensors offer high sensitivity and remote sensing capabilities.
- Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs) are sensitive to external perturbations.
- Developing robust and highly sensitive strain sensors remains a key challenge in various industries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a robust strain sensor utilizing a microfiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MMZI).
- To investigate the effect of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) encapsulation on sensor performance.
- To achieve high sensitivity, fast response, and good repeatability in strain sensing.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of MMZI sensors encapsulated with PDMS.
- Experimental testing of sensor performance under strain.
- Analysis of sensitivity dependence on probing wavelength, polymer type, and quantity.
- Evaluation of response time, recoverability, and repeatability.
Main Results:
- Achieved strain sensitivities ranging from -20.95 pm/με to 127.00 pm/με.
- Demonstrated at least an order of magnitude higher sensitivity compared to bare MMZI sensors.
- Observed increased sensitivity with probing wavelength and critical dependence on polymer type and quantity.
- Recorded a response time of 24.72 ms with good recoverability and repeatability.
Conclusions:
- PDMS encapsulation provides a robust structure and enhances sensitivity for MMZI strain sensors.
- The developed sensor offers tunable, high sensitivity, a fast response, and excellent reliability.
- This sensor technology shows promise for advanced strain monitoring applications.
