A novel intrinsic optical fibre sensor for detection of acoustic emission (AE) has been designed, built and tested. This sensor is intended for use in monitoring machine tool wear. An optical fibre is held between the transducer backing and the surface being probed. The coupling of AE waves through the fibre into the backing causes a phase change in the light transmitted by the fibre. This phase change is detected using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, locked in quadrature with a phase servo. Acoustic emission during cutting is conveyed to the sensing fibre on the machine bed via either the tool or workpiece. Sensing of AE may then yield information on the wear state of the tool.
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