Work

A Mini-Two-Path Mach–Zehnder Interferometer Sensor with High Curvature Sensitivity Based on Four-Mode Fiber

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We have proposed and presented a hybrid mini-two-path Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MTP-MZI) sensor based on four-mode fiber (FMF), where the reference path comprises of a section of a single-mode fiber (SMF), and the sensing path adopts a structure of SMF-FMF-SMF (SFS). Using arc discharge technology, the two paths are effectively fused and coupled, resulting in a robust MTP-MZI structure sensor. In the curvature detection, the maximum intensity sensitivity of curvature reaches 168.41 dB/m−1 when the curvature ranges change from 0 m−1 to 0.091 m−1. To the best of our knowledge, it is the highest curvature sensitivity in the MZI fiber sensor with intensity modulation. Furthermore, we also conducted a temperature-sensing experiment. The experiment results show that the maximum temperature sensitivity is only 78 pm/°C with a temperature range of 30–65 °C. The diverse exhibition of sensing performance for curvature and temperature enables us to effectively mitigate cross-sensitivity challenges. These results provide the experimental basis for developing a high-sensitivity sensor by employing the mini-two-path structure combined with specialty fibers.

Source: Micromachines

DOI: 10.3390/mi16101149

Authors: Wuming Wu, Jiayi Qian, Yuechun Shi, Xiaojun Zhu

Institutions: Shandong Xiehe University, Nantong University, Yongjiang Laboratory

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Fiber Optic Sensors

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,534

Funder: Natural Science Foundation of Ningbo