Twin-core fiber sensor integrated in laser cavity

Abstract

In this work, we report on a twin-core fiber sensor system that provides improved spectral efficiency, allows for multiplexing and gives low level of crosstalk. Pieces of the referred strongly coupled multicore fiber are used as sensors in a laser cavity incorporating a pulsed semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA). Each sensor has its unique cavity length and can be addressed individually by electrically matching the periodic gating of the SOA to the sensor’s cavity roundtrip time. The interrogator acts as a laser and provides a narrow spectrum with high signal-to-noise ratio. Furthermore, it allows distinguishing the response of individual sensors even in the case of overlapping spectra. Potentially, the number of interrogated sensors can be increased significantly, which is an appealing feature for multipoint sensing.

Advances in laser‐based manufacturing techniques for specialty optical fiber

“…1 Telecom, however, is not the only field where fibers have proven to be disruptive. Countless areas, including fiber sensors, [2][3][4][5] medical and diagnostic devices, [6][7][8] and nonlinear optics [9][10][11] have shown the remarkable diversity and functional capabilities achievable with optical fibers. In the fast-evolving landscape of optical fiber technology, specialty fibers aimed at specific challenges or novel applications have gained significant attention.…”