High sensitivity vector torsion sensor based on a single Stress-Applying fiber Sagnac interferometer

Abstract

A vector torsion sensor based on a Single Stress-Applying Fiber (SSAF) Sagnac interferometer is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Taking use of the high birefringence and structural asymmetry of the SSAF, the spectrum of SSAF based Sagnac interferometer shows both wavelength shift and intensity variation with the change of torsion angle. A torsion sensitivity as high as 53.3 nm/(rad/m) can be achieved by wavelength demodulation and 4.3 dB/(rad/m) by intensity demodulation. In addition, the torsion direction can be also recognized in the torsion angle range from −50° to 50°. The temperature cross sensitivity is 0.03 rad/m/℃ by wavelength demodulation in the temperature range from 20℃ to 38℃. The advantages of high sensitivity, direction recognition, multi-parameter demodulation and simple structure make the sensor great potential in civil engineering, surgical robot and other applications.