A Self-Referencing Intensity Based Polymer Optical Fiber Sensor for Liquid Detection

Sensors

David Sánchez Montero²  Carmen Vázquez²  Ingo Möllers¹  Jon Arrྮ³ 

[1] ZHO/Optoelektronik, Universität Dusiburg-Essen, 47057 Duisburg, Germany; E-Mails:;Departamento de Tecnología Electrónica, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Leganés, 28911, Madrid, Spain; E-Mail:;Departamento de Electrónica y Telecomunicaciones, ETSII y IT, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Bilbao, Spain; E-Mail:

关键词: polymer optical fiber;    POF coupler;    intensity-based optical sensor;    bending losses;    liquid level;   

DOI  :  10.3390/s90806446

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

A novel self-referencing fiber optic intensity sensor based on bending losses of a partially polished polymer optical fiber (POF) coupler is presented. The coupling ratio (K) depends on the external liquid in which the sensor is immersed. It is possible to distinguish between different liquids and to detect their presence. Experimental results for the most usual liquids found in industry, like water and oil, are given. K value increases up to 10% from the nominal value depending on the liquid. Sensor temperature dependence has also been studied for a range from 25 °C (environmental condition) to 50 °C. Any sector requiring liquid level measurements in flammable atmospheres can benefit from this intrinsically safe technology.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2009 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland