Passive Homodyne Phase Demodulation Technique Based on LF-TIT-DCM Algorithm for Interferometric Sensors

A passive homodyne phase demodulation technique based on a linear-fitting trigonometric-identity-transformation differential cross-multiplication (LF-TIT-DCM) algorithm is proposed. This technique relies on two interferometric signals whose interferometric phase difference is odd times of π. It is able to demodulate phase signals with a large dynamic range and wide frequency band. An anti-phase dual wavelength demodulation system is built to prove the LF-TIT-DCM algorithm. Comparing the traditional quadrature dual wavelength demodulation system with an ellipse fitting DCM (EF-DCM) algorithm, the phase difference of two interferometric signals of the anti-phase dual wavelength demodulation system is set to be π instead of π/2. This technique overcomes the drawback of EF-DCM—that it is not able to demodulate small signals since the ellipse degenerates into a straight line and the ellipse fitting algorithm is invalidated. Experimental results show that the dynamic range of the proposed anti-phase dual wavelength demodulation system is much larger than that of the traditional quadrature dual wavelength demodulation system. Moreover, the proposed anti-phase dual wavelength demodulation system is hardly influenced by optical power, and the laser wavelength should be strictly limited to lower the reference error.

Special Issue “Optical Fiber Interferometric Sensors: New Production Methodologies and Novel Applications”

The collection of papers presented in this Special Issue (SI) portraits the state-of-the-art of photonic-based interferometric sensors, where new application areas were explored (such as spirometry) and novel sensitivity limits were achieved, using innovative sensing techniques for the monitoring of parameters, such as displacement, temperature or salinity.

The Interferometer of Mach Zehnder and Its Applications

Fiber optic interferometers have been studied extensively for sensing various physical characteristics such as temperature, strain, pressure, and refractive index. Fabry-Perot, Mach-Zehnder, Michelson, and Sagnac are the four different types. In this case, in this study, the operational principles of Mach-Zehnder interferometric sensor are examined. fabrication techniques, as well as application sectors. The technologies of interferometric sensors are described in detail to demonstrate their great potential in practical uses. Mach-Zehnder The interferometer is a device that measures the difference in phase shifts Between two coherent collimated beams. According to this fundamental Principle, various devices can be designed. Several devices, including various types of in-line MZI optical sensors, all-optical switches and modulator, can be created using this basic principle are discussed in this paper.

Miniaturized Interferometric Sensors with Spectral Tunability for Optical Fiber Technology—A Comparison of Size Requirements, Performance, and New Concepts

Optical interferometric sensors have acquired significant importance in metrology and information technology, especially in terms of their potential application in launching size, selectivity, sensitivity, resolution, spectral tuning ranges, efficiency, and cost. However, these demands are often contradictory and counteract one another, and are thus difficult to simultaneously fulfill during their interaction. This review focuses on a detailed comparison of seven different strongly miniaturized sensor concepts investigating the limits of these demands. For the visible and near-infrared spectral range, seven optical sensors were reviewed based on the following methodologies: classical optical transmission and reflection gratings, arrayed waveguide gratings, static Fabry–Pérot (FP) filter arrays, MEMS tunable FP interferometers, MEMS tunable photonic crystals, plasmonic filters, and fiber tip sensors. The comparison between the selected concepts concentrates on (i) the minimum space required for a particular spectral range, (ii) resolution, (iii) the integration in optical fiber technology, (iv) tunability to save space, (v) efficiency in using available light, (vi) multiplexing, (vii) miniaturization limits, and (viii) the potential of nanoimprint for cost reduction. Technologies for enhancing efficiency to obtain more available light and their applicability to the different methodologies were studied.

In-Fiber Interferometric-Based Sensors: Overview and Recent Advances

In-fiber interferometric-based sensors are a rapidly growing field, as these sensors exhibit many desirable characteristics compared to their regular fiber-optic counterparts and are being implemented in many promising devices. These sensors have the capability to make extremely accurate measurements on a variety of physical or chemical quantities such as refractive index, temperature, pressure, curvature, concentration, etc. This article is a comprehensive overview of the different types of in-fiber interferometric sensors that presents and discusses recent developments in the field. Basic configurations, a brief approach of the operating principle and recent applications are introduced for each interferometric architecture, making it easy to compare them and select the most appropriate one for the application at hand.