Article
Article
Fiber-optic sensor
Article By:
Giallorenzi, Thomas G. Optical Science Division, Department of the Navy, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC.
Last reviewed:January 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.255850
A sensor that uses thin optical fibers to carry light to and from a location to be probed. In performing the sensing, light can be lost from the fibers or modified in velocity by the action of the phenomena on the fiber. Fiber-optic sensors are ideal for probing in remote or hostile locations, where miniature sensors are required such as in the body, or where extreme sensitivity is required. Two classes of fiber sensors have evolved: intensity sensors, in which the amplitude of light in the fiber is changed during sensing, and interferometric sensors, in which the velocity of light or its phase is modified during sensing. The latter class has proved to be extremely sensitive; intensity sensors are used where moderate performance is acceptable and lower cost is important.
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