Intrinsic magnetic field sensitivities of sensor head housing for all-fiber optic current sensors

Abstract

Full-fiber optical current sensors utilize the effects of magnetic-field imposed on the change of polarization azimuth of light in the fibers. Due to the sensitivities to external perturbations, the sensing fiber head in practical applications is usually packed in a fixed metallic housing majorly for protection purposes. However, the housing material itself tends to influence the magnetic field distributions of the current carrying wire in question. In this paper, the intrinsic effect and influence of fiber sensor head housing made of different magnetic materials on the magnetic field distributions around the current-carrying wire have been investigated. Simulation and virtual experimentation was carried out in the COMSOL environment. From the results, the housings made of single magnetic material are found to have magnetic disturbances on the magnetic field distribution around the wire. Housing made of some alloy materials has no influence on the magnetic distributions outside the wire. After experimenting with several materials, the former materials inclusive, steel is preferred as the protective housing and/or casing of fiber sensor head in optical fiber current sensors. This is on the basis of both technical and non-technical consideration of low cost of material though biased toward technical aspect of little or no influence on magnetic distribution around the wire.