Research on Michelson interferometric fiber accelerometer based on push-pull structure.

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Sensor Technology
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Acceleration measurement is critical in diverse fields like resource exploration, defense, safety, and disaster management.
• Existing optical fiber acceleration sensors suffer from low sensitivity and poor lateral anti-interference capabilities.
• Addressing these limitations is crucial for advancing sensing technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and develop a Michelson interference type optical fiber acceleration sensor with a push-pull structure.
• To theoretically analyze and computationally model the proposed sensor design.
• To experimentally validate the sensor's performance characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical analysis and modeling of the push-pull structure.
• Finite element analysis (FEA) using ANSYS Workbench for static stress and modal analysis.
• Fabrication of a sensor prototype and construction of a sensing system.
• Performance testing using a vibration testing system.

Main Results:

• The developed sensor exhibits a natural frequency of 72 Hz.
• Achieved sensitivity of 51.58 dB (re: 0 dB = 1 rad/g) with 99.68% linearity.
• Demonstrated exceptional lateral anti-interference reaching 221,227.74 dB (re: 0 dB = 1 rad/g).
• Lateral interference resistance improved by ~10.8% compared to similar existing sensors.

Conclusions:

• The proposed Michelson interference type optical fiber acceleration sensor effectively overcomes the limitations of existing designs.
• The push-pull structure significantly enhances both sensitivity and lateral anti-interference capabilities.
• This research provides a valuable reference for future development of advanced optical fiber acceleration sensors.