Sensitivity characterization of cladding modes in long-period gratings photonic crystal fiber for structural health monitoring

Shijie Zheng, Baohua Shan, Masoud Ghandehari, Jinping Ou

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Abstract Sensitivity of fiber cladding modes coupled with long-period gratings (LPGs) in photonic crystal fiber (PCF) are investigated with respect to external conditions such as temperature, strain, the surrounding refractive index, curvature, and torsion. What we have found is that the application of MODE Solutions to a given PCF structure can produce a large amount of modes, where the dispersion and group velocities are generally a function of wavelength, hence the cladding modes with ultra-sensitive spectrum behavior for LPG coupling and sensing purpose. By means of analyzing equation of phase-matching condition, we can better understand sensitivity characteristics of cladding modes. The results of numerical computation indicate that the maximum or minimum sensitivity of a cladding mode coupled with PCF-LPG is predetermined by its dispersion, which is also influenced by the PCF structure geometry. The design of the structural geometry gives a large degree of freedom with respect to tailoring its optical properties. Multi-parameter sensing is discussed in light of utilizing the resonances at discrete wavelength locations distinguishing and simultaneously measuring two parameters in a PCF-LPG.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number3367
Pages (from-to)43-51
Number of pages9
JournalMeasurement: Journal of the International Measurement Confederation
Volume72
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2015

Keywords

  • Cladding modes
  • Fiber optic sensor
  • Long-period gratings
  • Photonic crystal fiber
  • Refractive index

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Instrumentation
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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