Multiplexing sensors technique for angle and temperature measurement using polymer optical fiber

Abstract

Various methods are presented to develop fiber optics sensors; among them, the multiplexing sensor technique requires a complex signal processing procedure that makes a complex system. In numerous methods, the intensity variation-based methods are much easier than other methods and are cost-effective due to simplicity. We present a multiplexing sensors technique using polymer optical fiber based on intensity variation for angle and temperature measurement. The sensing principle is based on twisted macro-bend coupling phenomena. In the configuration, three sensors are multiplex on a common transmission fiber, and each sensor measures through separate power meters. Each sensor contains a separate twisted macro-bend that the first fiber is transmitting while others are receiving fibers. The proposed multiplexing sensors technique is emphasized for angle and temperature measurement. The experimental results show that all three angle sensors can measure the full rotational cycle i.e. 360°, whereas the temperature sensor range is 50 °C. The demonstrated multiplexing technique is much easier than the other methods. The application is not limited to angle and temperature sensing but also can be used for force, strain, pressure, and refractive index.