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Sensitivity-Enhanced Curvature Mini-Two-Path Mach-Zehnder Interferometer Fiber Sensor Based on a Seven-Core Fiber.

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Title: Sensitivity-Enhanced Curvature Mini-Two-Path Mach-Zehnder Interferometer Fiber Sensor Based on a Seven-Core Fiber.
Authors: Zhu, Xiaojun1 (AUTHOR), Chen, Feijie1 (AUTHOR), Wang, Yan1 (AUTHOR), Wang, Jiajia1 (AUTHOR), Wang, Junjie1 (AUTHOR), Cao, Juan1 (AUTHOR), Liu, Hai2 (AUTHOR), Zhao, Jicong1 (AUTHOR) jczhao@ntu.edu.cn
Source: Fiber & Integrated Optics. 2025, Vol. 44 Issue 6, p550-568. 19p.
Subjects: Curvature measurements, Optical interferometers, Optical sensors, Optical fiber detectors, Sensitivity analysis, Empirical research
Abstract: This paper presents a mini-two-path Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MTP-MZI) curvature sensor based on a seven-core fiber (SCF). The sensor consists of a reference path using a single-mode fiber (SMF) and a sensing path with a SMF – SCF – SMF structure. Employing electric-arc discharge technology, two fusion regions act as a beam splitter and a coupler, integrating both paths into the MTP-MZI. When light enters the MTP-MZI, it splits at the first coupling region, where one beam travels through the reference path and the other propagates along the sensing path. Due to the mode-field mismatch between the SMF and SCF, higher-order modes are excited and propagated in the SCF cladding. However, the weak coupling in the sensing path prevents some of these cladding modes from coupling back into the output SMF core. Advantageously, the strong coupling at the second region recaptures these residual modes into the final output SMF, significantly enhancing curvature sensitivity. Experimental results demonstrate a maximum sensitivity of 100.98 dB/m−1 within the 0–0.09143 m−1 range, the highest reported value to date for intensity-modulated SCF-based curvature sensors to the best of our knowledge. Additionally, the sensor exhibits low-temperature sensitivity (62.2 pm/℃ from 30 to 70℃). This compact, high-sensitivity MTP-SCF structure offers a promising approach for adaptable fiber-optic sensor design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Description
Abstract:This paper presents a mini-two-path Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MTP-MZI) curvature sensor based on a seven-core fiber (SCF). The sensor consists of a reference path using a single-mode fiber (SMF) and a sensing path with a SMF – SCF – SMF structure. Employing electric-arc discharge technology, two fusion regions act as a beam splitter and a coupler, integrating both paths into the MTP-MZI. When light enters the MTP-MZI, it splits at the first coupling region, where one beam travels through the reference path and the other propagates along the sensing path. Due to the mode-field mismatch between the SMF and SCF, higher-order modes are excited and propagated in the SCF cladding. However, the weak coupling in the sensing path prevents some of these cladding modes from coupling back into the output SMF core. Advantageously, the strong coupling at the second region recaptures these residual modes into the final output SMF, significantly enhancing curvature sensitivity. Experimental results demonstrate a maximum sensitivity of 100.98 dB/m−1 within the 0–0.09143 m−1 range, the highest reported value to date for intensity-modulated SCF-based curvature sensors to the best of our knowledge. Additionally, the sensor exhibits low-temperature sensitivity (62.2 pm/℃ from 30 to 70℃). This compact, high-sensitivity MTP-SCF structure offers a promising approach for adaptable fiber-optic sensor design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:01468030
DOI:10.1080/01468030.2025.2556371