All-plastic fiber-based pressure sensor

Abstract

We present a feasibility study and a prototype of an all-plastic fiber-based pressure sensor. The sensor is based on long period gratings inscribed for the first time to the best of our knowledge by a CO₂ laser in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microstructured fibers and coupled to a pod-like transducer that converts pressure to strain. The sensor prototype was characterized for pressures up to 150 mbars, and various parameters related to its construction were also characterized in order to enhance sensitivity. We consider this sensor in the context of future applications in endoscopic pressure sensors.

Arc-Induced Long Period Gratings from Standard to Polarization-Maintaining and Photonic Crystal Fibers

“…Moreover, their worldwide interest is confirmed by recent works concerning the fabrication in polymeric optical fibers (POFs). They hold particular importance for sensing applications, as they can withstand larger ranges of strain and have small Young’s modulus [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ].…”

Fast Inscription of Long Period Gratings in Microstructured Polymer Optical Fibers

“…However, the fabrication technology of LPGs in POF is still under research. Only a few papers mentioned the fabrication process of LPGs in mPOF [11][12][13][14]. The first LPG was fabricated in mPOF by mechanical deformation and heating [12].…”

LPG inscription in mPOF for optical sensing

“…As a recent application, an all-plastic fiber-based pressure sensor based on LPG in mPOF has been explored [10]. Only a few papers mentioned the fabrication process of LPGs in mPOF [10][11][12][13][14]. The first LPG was fabricated in mPOF by mechanical deformation and heating [11].…”