Fabrication and Qualitative Analysis of an Optical Fibre EFPI-Based Temperature Sensor

Abstract

The following presents a comparison of an extrinsic Fabry–Perot interferometer (EFPI)-based temperature sensor, constructed using a novel diaphragm manufacturing technique, with a reference all-glass EFPI temperature sensor. The novel diaphragm was manufactured using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The novel sensor fabrication involved fusing a single-mode fibre (SMF) to a length of fused quartz capillary, which has an inner diameter of 132 μm and a 220 μm outer diameter. The capillary was subsequently polished until the distal face of the capillary extended approximately 60 μm beyond that of the single mode fibre. Upon completion of polishing, the assembly is immersed in a solution of PVA. Controlled extraction resulted in creation of a thin diaphragm while simultaneously applying a protective coating to the fusion point of the SMF and capillary. The EFPI sensor is subsequently sealed in a second fluid-filled capillary, thereby creating a novel temperature sensor structure. Both temperature sensors were placed in a thermogravimetric analyser and heated from an indicated 30 °C to 100 °C to qualitatively compare sensitivities. Initial results indicated that the novel manufacturing technique both expedited production and produces a more sensitive sensor when compared to an all-glass construction.

State-of-the-Art Sensors Research in Ireland

“…McGuinness et al [10], present a comparison of an extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer (EFPI)-based temperature sensor, constructed using a novel diaphragm manufacturing technique, with a reference all-glass EFPI temperature sensor. The novel diaphragm was manufactured using polyvinyl alcohol, and sensor fabrication involved fusing a singlemode fibre to a length of fused quartz capillary, which has an inner diameter of 132 µm and a 220 µm outer diameter.…”

A High-Speed Demodulation Technology of Fiber Optic Extrinsic Fabry-Perot Interferometric Sensor Based on Coarse Spectrum

“…Extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometers (EFPI) sensor has the advantages of strong immunity to electromagnetic interference, high sensitivity, compact structure [ 1 , 2 ], good stability, high resolution [ 3 ], thermally insensitive [ 4 ], low-cost equipment [ 5 ] and resistance to the harsh environment [ 6 ]. Comparing to the intrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer (IFPI), the cavity of EFPI can be opened to the environment [ 7 ].…”