The Effect of Mechanical Stress on the Sensitivity of Fiberoptic Polarization Temperature Sensor

The article analyses enhancing the sensitivity of fiber-optic polarization sensors to temperature changes via additional longitudinal strain. This multifunctional sensor is suitable for application as a sensing element for security purposes and has many possible biomedical applications. The testing method consists of stretching the fiber on a proof tester where it is possible to get an exact setting of the operating force, and then applying a container of water at a different temperature. Changes were captured by a laser power meter and plotted into graphs describing several sets of measurements to keep independence on manufacturing. The sensor sensitivity was increased and the proposed solution appeared to be suitable for in-position sensors with minimum additional outlays.