Effect of humidity on fiber-optic temperature sensing

This study investigates the influence of ambient humidity on the temperature sensitivity, measurement accuracy, and uncertainty of optical fibers with different coatings, using a Rayleigh-based distributed sensing technique. Polymer-coated fibers (acrylate and polyimide) and metal-coated fibers (copper and gold) were tested under controlled humidity (30%–90% RH) and temperature (20–60 °C) conditions. Rayleigh-based measurements revealed a slight but consistent decrease in temperature sensitivity with increasing humidity for all polymer-coated fibers, attributed to humidity-induced changes in coating stiffness and strain transfer. In contrast, metal-coated fibers exhibited humidity-independent behavior and superior stability. These findings highlight the non-negligible role of ambient humidity in fiber-optic temperature sensing, particularly in Rayleigh-based systems using hygroscopic coatings. The results provide practical guidance for fiber and coating selection in humid environments and offer broader insight into humidity–strain–temperature coupling mechanisms relevant to other fiber-optic sensing mechanisms. • Rayleigh-based distributed sensing reveals measurable humidity effects on fiber temperature sensitivity. • Temperature errors in polymer-coated fibers can exceed 1°C under high humidity. • Metal-coated fibers show negligible error (< 0.1°C) across 30%–90% RH. • Findings provide guidance for coating selection to ensure stable and accurate fiber temperature sensing.