Compact Robust Vector Bending Sensor Based on Single Stress-Applying Fiber

Abstract

We propose a compact assemble-easy cost-effective vector bending sensor consisting of a short section of single stress-applying fiber (SSAF) spliced between two standard single-mode fibers (SMFs). The SSAF is specially designed by introducing a stress-applying part (SAP) into the cladding to achieve the asymmetrical geometry. Because of the mode field mismatch between the SMF and the SSAF, the cladding mode is effectively excited, which is sensitive to the bending and has orientation-dependence. Due to the large effective refractive index difference between the core and cladding mode, a compact dual-mode interferometer can be achieved with a thousands-micron-long structure. When the fiber is bent, the mode fields and the effective refractive indices will be modified, and accordingly, the direction-dependent interference spectral shift is observed. Owing to the well-designed SSAF structure, the cost-effective vector bending sensor can be easily realized by a simple sandwich structure without extra complex alignment procedures or fiber grating inscription. We experimentally verify the vector bending property. The maximum sensitivity of 2.04 nm/m <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">-1</sup> is obtained, and the experimental results match well with the simulations. Our proposed device is compact, easy to assemble, and cost-effective, which is promising in the field of vector bending measurement.