A novel long-period fiber grating torsion sensor

Abstract

In this paper, we propose and demonstrate a novel torsion sensor based on a long-period fiber grating (LPFG) induced symmetrically by three beams of focused high-frequency CO₂ laser pulses (20~24 kHz). Experimental results show, when the LPFG is twisted clockwise, the resonant wavelength shifts toward shorter wavelengths, and the peak loss decreases. When the LPFG is twisted anticlockwise, the resonant wavelength shifts toward longer wavelengths, and the peak loss increases. The resonant wavelength and the peak loss are all similarly proportional to the twist angle applied. Based on this LPFG, a new kind of fiber-optic torsion sensors can be made, which can not only directly measure the torsion angle, but also determine the torsion direction simultaneously by means of measuring the shift of the resonant wavelength and/or the peak loss of the LPFG.