Fiber-optic sensors for underwater sonar applications

Abstract

An overview of fiber-optic sensor designs and performance for underwater sonar applications will be discussed. The sensor designs range from simple, coated fibers to mandrels wrapped with single or multiple layers of fiber. The measurable response of fiber-optic sensors is through changes in the phase of light in the fiber due to the internal components of strain. The assumed strain in models of the acoustic response of optical fiber sensors differs for the various sensor designs and often are derived from an analysis of deformations of a complex, composite structure. Another consideration in the design of fiber-optic sensors is structural resonances, which may interfere with acoustic performance. Comparisons of modeled and measured acoustic and static pressure sensitivities of various fiber-optic sensor designs will be presented along with laboratory measurements of vibration response.