Extending the temperature range of an interferometric fiber sensor using the Vernier effect.

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Fiber optic sensing
• Interferometry

Background:

• The Vernier effect is a known method for enhancing sensitivity in fiber optic sensors.
• Existing interferometric temperature fiber sensors have limitations in their measurement range.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extend the measurement range of interferometric temperature fiber sensors.
• To utilize the Vernier spectrum for enhanced measurement capabilities.
• To propose a novel sensor design for broader temperature monitoring applications.

Main Methods:

• Designing a fiber sensor based on a pair of Fabry-Perot interferometers.
• Generating a Vernier spectrum through a specific sensor design.
• Developing a comprehensive model to analyze the extended measurement range.
• Conducting simulations and experiments to validate the approach.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated an extension of the measurement range by approximately 15.5 times.
• Validated the proposed sensor design's efficacy through modeling and experimentation.
• Confirmed that the design of the interferometers is key to range extension.

Conclusions:

• The proposed Vernier spectrum approach effectively extends the measurement range of interferometric temperature fiber sensors.
• The design of the Fabry-Perot interferometers is crucial for achieving significant range extension.
• This method offers a promising solution for high-range temperature sensing applications.