A Displacement Sensor with Centimeter Dynamic Range and Submicrometer Resolution Based on an Optical Interferometer

Abstract

We report a low cost and extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer-based optical fiber displacement sensor with a wide dynamic range, up to 2.0 cm, and 0.270 µm resolution. The fundamental design principle includes an inclined mirror, mounted on a translational stage, that combines with the end face of a single mode fiber to form a Fabry-Perot cavity. The user-configurable triangle geometry-based displacement transfer mechanism makes the sensor capable of measuring a wide displacement range. A fiber ceramic ferrule is used to support and orient the optical fiber, and a metal shell is used to package and protect the principal sensor elements. The novel sensor was employed to monitor shrinkage during the drying/curing stage of a square brick of mortar. The robust and easy-to-manufacture sensor can be easily commercialized and has great potential for applications in the chemical-oil industry, construction industry, and other industries with harsh environments.

Department(s)

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Sponsor(s)

University of Missouri Research Board
Missouri University of Science and Technology. Materials Research Center
Missouri University of Science and Technology. Intelligent Systems Center

Comments

This work was supported in part by the University of Missouri Research Board, Materials Research Center, Missouri University of Science and Technology, and in part by the ISC Center Post-Doctoral Matching Funds, Missouri University of Science and Technology

Keywords and Phrases

Cavity resonators; Construction industry; Fabry-Perot interferometers; Fiber optic sensors; Fiber optics; Fibers; Interferometers; Mirrors; Optical fibers; Single mode fibers; Temperature measurement; Displacement; Dynamic range; Extrinsic Fabry Perot interferometer; Harsh environment; Sub-micron resolutions; Displacement measurement; Cm dynamic range

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

1530-437X

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2017 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Sep 2017

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