Microbending fiber optic acoustic sensor

Abstract

Microbending induced mode coupling in optical fibers has been utilized to detect pressure, displacement, acceleration, etc. The acoustic and mechanical design considerations of such an intensity modulated microbending optical fiber sensor is discussed. An illustrative example of how an external force, acceleration, etc., can couple to the sensor is given. All the relevant design parameters are studied and the acoustic frequency response of the sensor is determined. The minimum detectable pressure, acceleration, and displacement are predicted and compared with the latest experimental results. Finally, optimization of the sensor is discussed.