Optical Accelerometers for Detecting Low-Frequency Micro-Vibrations

Abstract

Optical accelerometers are high-precision inertial sensors that use optical measurement technology to achieve high-precision and electromagnetic interference-resistant acceleration measurements. With the intensive research and development of optical accelerometers in recent years, their applications in inertial navigation, structural health monitoring, precision vibration isolation systems, wind turbine fault monitoring, earthquake monitoring, and other low-frequency vibration detection have flourished. Optical accelerometers have various schemes; however, their characteristics vary considerably due to different optical modulation schemes. This study aims to address the lack of systematic evaluation of currently available low-frequency optical accelerometers. Optical accelerometers can be classified into four categories in accordance with their optical modulation schemes: optical path-, optical intensity-, optical phase-, and optical wave-length-modulated accelerometers. The typical performance, advantages and disadvantages, and possible application scenarios of various optical accelerometers are summarized. This study also presents the current status and trends of low-frequency optical accelerometers in consideration of the growing demand for high-precision, low-frequency acceleration measurements.

Structural Health Monitoring for Prefabricated Building Envelope under Stress Tests

“…Accelerometers prove to be efficient instruments for detecting vibrations. Several studies have been conducted with accelerometers, starting from the structure analysis to identify the weathering and excitation agents affecting the buildings [21][22][23]34,35] Positioned on curtain wall façades, they detect dynamic forces such as wind or seismic activity, providing insights into structural health by converting vibrations into electrical signals for frequency, amplitude, and duration analysis [35]. Indeed, in this research, accelerometers were used with the following two aims: The first was to evaluate the structural status of the curtain wall façade, performing a modal analysis-one before the tests of compliance and the other one at the end of the tests.…”

Development of a Sandwiched Piezoelectric Accelerometer for Low-Frequency and Wide-Band Seismic Exploration

“…Piezoelectric film accelerometers [8,9], optical accelerometers [10], and MEMS [11][12][13] offer superior performance compared to piezoelectric crystal accelerometers. However, due to their intricate manufacturing processes and higher costs, mature products in the seismic exploration market are relatively scarce.…”

Performance and Optimization of a Dual-Stage Vibration Isolation System Using Bio-Inspired Vibration Isolators

“…or precision instruments (optical interferometers, space telescopes, etc.) with complex vibration isolation systems [19][20][21][22][23][24][25], a single-stage vibration isolation system often leads to resonant peaks and standing wave effects at high frequencies [26][27][28][29], which cannot meet the vibration isolation requirements. A dual-stage vibration isolation system draws great interest owing to its better high-frequency effect and higher stability [30][31][32][33][34][35][36].…”