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For the strain sensor, we used a dual-core microstructured fiber. In the research presented, we take advantage of the technology of fiber post-processing, namely fiber tapering. This treatment, which enables changes in the conditions for interference between supermodes, makes the fiber sensitive to elongation. In the un-tapered section, supermodes do not interfere efficiently (crosstalk <-50 dB), whereas in the tapered section the crosstalk increases significantly (crosstalk = 0 dB meaning all the power from one core can be transferred to the neighboring core), creating a strain sensitive area. The distribution of power between the cores of a multi-core fiber at the output of the sample depends on the elongation of the sample. The strain value can be read off both in the domain of power and wavelength. Research results show that sensor performance can be adjusted by changing the taper length and ratio. The results presented are promising for the construction of a temperature independent strain sensor, whose strain sensitivity (17nm/mε) is far better than optical fiber sensors based on Fiber Bragg Gratings. Meanwhile, the temperature sensitivity is negligible assuring no cross-sensitivity. |
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Optical fibers
Sensors
Fiber optics sensors
Refractive index
Signal detection
Space division multiplexing
Spectrum analysis
