Temperature sensing based on slow light via stimulated Brillouin scattering in M-shaped few-mode fiber
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigates temperature sensing based on slow light generation via stimulated Brillouin scattering in an M-shaped few-mode fiber. The temperature-dependent properties of four optical modes (LP01, LP11, LP21, and LP02) over a range from -20 °C to 80 °C are analyzed using the full-vectorial finite element method. Results show that the effective refractive index and Brillouin frequency shift of all modes increase with temperature, while the effective mode areas of all modes decrease. The LP02 mode exhibits exceptional temperature sensitivity, showing a significant rise in slow light time delay from 0 ns to 514.9 ns, along with a growth in the pulse broadening factor. In contrast, the LP01 mode maintains the largest time delay across the temperature range but shows less temperature-induced variation. The results demonstrate a trade-off between slow light enhancement (time delay) and signal distortion (pulse broadening). This study confirms that the LP02 mode in the M-shaped few-mode fiber is highly suitable for developing sensitive fiber-optic temperature sensors, providing a theoretical foundation for optimizing slow light applications in sensing.
Source: PLoS ONE
Authors: Li-Jun Li, Shang-Lin Hou
Institutions: Shangluo University, Lanzhou University of Technology
Language: English
Topic: Advanced Fiber Optic Sensors
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,382
Award: G889610718
OpenAlex ID: W7128798748