Sensing device having a large diameter D-shaped optical waveguide

摘要

An optical sensor formed from an optical waveguide having at least one core surrounded by a cladding and a large diameter generally D-shaped portion is disclosed. Axial or compressive strain across the D-shaped cross section may be determined by measuring the change in polarization or birefringence of the light output from the sensor. A layer responsive to a parameter may be disposed on a flat portion of the D-shaped portion of the sensor. The refractive index of the layer changes and/or the layer applies a strain on the sensor in response to the parameter. Changes in the refractive index of the layer alters the light output from the sensor, which is measured over time and correlated to the parameter.

主权项

1. A method for fabricating an optical sensor for sensing a measurand, comprising:
providing an optical waveguide having at least one core and a cladding surrounding the at least one core for propagating light; and removing a portion of the cladding to form a D-shaped portion in the optical waveguide, such that the D-shaped portion has a generally D-shaped cross-section and that a property of the D-shaped portion changes in response to the measurand, wherein the property comprises at least one of polarization or birefringence.