Fiber optic vibration sensor for applications in the field of ground vibrations

Abstract

We have proposed a vibration sensor based on a Michelson interferometer. The sensor was developed in the form of a triaxial accelerometer, calibrated, and ultimately validated with reference calibrated devices during blast operations. The sensing function principle is based on the push–pull principle of the mass–spring system of a total of three interferometers. A housing was designed and fabricated using 3D printing to allow the sensor to be operated in the field. Sensor calibration was carried out in an accredited laboratory. The measured sensitivity values were approximately 60 dB re rad/g for the vertical axis and 48–51 dB re rad/g for the horizontal axes in the frequency range of 1 to 50 Hz. The sensitivity values of the presented sensor are comparable to or surpass those of the Michelson-based sensors described in the state-of-the-art. The resulting amplitude–frequency calibration models of the sensor were assembled for all three orthogonal measurement axes so that the particle velocity can be measured. Finally, comparative measurement to reference seismic stations was carried out during a multi-hole bench blast at the Kotouc Stramberk quarry to validate the calibration models.