Reflective fiber-optic refractometer based on a thin-core fiber tailored Bragg grating reflection

A novel reflective refractometer based on a thin-core fiber (TCF) sandwiched between a leading single-mode fiber (SMF) and a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) imprinted SMF stub was demonstrated. The reflection from the fiber stub occurs in two well-defined wavelength bands, corresponding to the Bragg core mode and cladding modes. The TCF section functions as a tailorable bridge between the FBG core mode reflection and the surrounding refractive index (SRI). Linear response with enhanced sensitivity of 133.26 dB/refractive index unit for temperature-immune SRI measurement within the biologically desirable sensing range of 1.33-1.41 has been achieved via cost-effective power detection.     

All-fiber refractometer based on core mismatch structure

We demonstrate a novel all-fiber refractometer which is a multimode-single mode-multimode (MM-SM-MM) fiber structure formed by splicing a section of uncoated single mode fiber (SMF) with two short sections of multimode fibers (MMFs). Owing to the core mismatch at the splicing points of the SMF with two sections of MMFs, part of the guided light propagates in the cladding of the SMF, which makes the SMF sensitive to the external refractive index (RI). RI sensing is achieved by measuring the wavelength shift of the interference pattern of the cladding mode and the core mode of the SMF. A RI sensor with an average sensitivity of 412 nm/RUI (refractive index unit) for a RI range from 1.333 to 1.400 is presented.     

Photonic crystal fiber tip interferometer for refractive index sensing

In this paper we present an interferometer based on photonic crystal fiber (PCF) tip ended with a solid silica-sphere for refractive index sensing. The sensor is fabricated by splicing one end of the holey PCF to a single mode fiber (SMF) and applying arc at the other end to form a solid sphere. The sensor has been experimentally tested for refractive index and temperature sensing by monitoring its wavelength shift. Measurement results show that the sensor has the resolution of the order of 8.7×10(-4) over the refractive index range of 1.33-1.40, and temperature sensitivity of the order of 10 pm/°C in the range of 20-100 °C.     

基于光纤气泡和纤芯失配的Mach-Zehnder干涉液体折射率传感器

介绍了一种基于光纤气泡和纤芯失配的Mach-Zehnder干涉液体折射率传感器. 将两根纤芯经过腐蚀的普通单模光纤熔接在一起, 在熔接点处形成一个气泡, 在距气泡20 mm处级联一段20 mm的细芯光纤, 再接入一段单模光纤, 形成单模光纤-气泡-单模光纤-细芯光纤-单模光纤结构的传感器. 气泡与光纤芯径失配处的两个节点起到光纤耦合器的作用, 从而形成光纤Mach-Zehnder干涉仪. 环境液体折射率的变化,将使得传感器透射谱能量发生变化, 通过测量干涉谱波峰峰值能量从而实现对折射率的测量. 并对所制作传感器的折射率响应特性进行了实验研究, 实验结果表明干涉谱波峰峰值能量与环境液体折射率之间存在良好的线性关系, 当环境液体折射率变化范围在1.351–1.402时, 响应灵敏度为143.537 dB/RIU, 线性度0.996. 该传感器在生物化学领域有较好的应用前景. 关键词： 光纤气泡 纤芯失配 Mach-Zehnder干涉仪 折射率传感     

不同包层直径的倾斜光纤光栅折射率传感特性

倾斜光纤光栅的透射谱中有纤芯模和大量的包层模,它们具有与布拉格光栅相同的温度特性.利用HF酸腐蚀的方法得到具有不同包层直径的倾斜光纤光栅,研究了其对外界折射率的传感特性.结果表明,外界环境折射率在1.333～1.4532之间变化时,同一直径倾斜光纤光栅的高阶包层模的敏感性要比低阶包层模强;随着包层直径的减小,包层模的敏感性增强,且在折射率比较高的环境中有更高的敏感性.因此,利用倾斜光纤光栅的温度特性不仅可以解决温度交叉敏感问题,而且通过小同的腐蚀程度能定制所需要的灵敏度,以实现对环境折射率的高灵敏度测量.该办法可应用于对生物和化学等高灵敏度传感领域的各种溶液进行实时监控.     

Spectrum-profile-identification-based wavelength division multiplexing method for a fiber Bragg grating sensor

A new wavelength division multiplexing method for fiber Bragg grating(FBG) sensors based on spectrum profile identification is proposed. In this method, FBGs and tilted FBG(TFBG) sensors are cascaded in a single fiber in one sensing channel. The different spectrum profiles enable the cross-correlation method to demodulate the wavelength. Therefore, the different types of sensors can occupy the same central wavelength band. Using this method, the multiplexing capacity is optimized. Experiment results demonstrate the feasibility of this method and it is useful for applications where large numbers of FBGs are needed.     

倾斜光纤光栅溶液折射率传感器的实验研究

根据倾斜光纤光栅(TFBG)和表面镀金的TFBG传感器测量折射率的基本原理,通过OptiGrating软件模拟了不同浓度溶液下TFBG的透射谱和芯层模与某阶包层模耦合引起的谐振峰,初步得出了TFBG各阶包层模随着外界折射率的增大而向右偏移、在一定的传感范围内中心波长与外界折射率呈线性关系的结论。用小型离子溅射仪对TFBG镀45 nm厚度左右的金膜,并用扫描电镜在微观上观察镀膜效果。通过不同浓度下的NaCl溶液、MgCl₂溶液、CaCl₂溶液实验,对比研究了裸TFBG和镀金TFBG传感器对溶液折射率的传感特性。从而验证了模拟仿真得出的结论并定量分析得知：镀金后具有表面等离子体共振的TFBG溶液折射率灵敏度大于500 nm·RIU-1,而裸TFBG为2 nm·RIU-1左右,大约提高了200～300倍,且在一定范围内中心波长与溶液折射率的线性拟合度都在0.99以上。     

Temperature-independent bending sensor with tilted fiber Bragg grating interacting with multimode fiber

A new type fiber bending sensor based on a tilted fiber Bragg grating (TFBG) interacting with a multimode fiber (MMF) is presented. The sensing head is formed by insertion of a small section of MMF between a single-mode fiber (SMF) and the TFBG. The average reflective power in the cladding modes decreases with the increase of curvature. The measurement range of the curvature from 0 to 2.5 m⁻¹ with a measurement sensitivity of −802.4 nW/m⁻¹ is achieved. The proposed sensor is also proved as temperature-independent from the experimental investigation.     

Fiber refractometer based on a fiber Bragg grating and single-mode-multimode-single-mode fiber structure

A refractive index (RI) sensor based on a novel fiber structure that consists of a single-mode-multimode-single-mode (SMS) fiber structure followed by a fiber Bragg grating was demonstrated. The multimode fiber in the SMS structure excites cladding modes within output single-mode fiber (SMF) and recouple the reflected cladding Bragg wavelength to the input SMF core. By measuring the relative Bragg wavelength shift between core and cladding Bragg wavelengths, the RI can be determined. Experimentally we have achieved a maximum sensitivity of 7.33 nm/RIU (RI unit) at RI range from 1.324 to 1.439.     

基于包层模的光纤布拉格光栅折射率传感特性

提出了基于光纤布拉格光栅(FBG)包层模式的折射率传感方案。实验中,利用不同浓度的丙三醇水溶液作为外界折射率传感溶液,采用氢氟酸溶液化学腐蚀的方法来减小光纤包层的直径以增大包层模式对外界折射率的敏感度,研究了腐蚀后光纤布拉格光栅包层模式的耦合波长对外部折射率的变化关系。实验结果表明在1.3300~1.4584的折射率范围内,包层模式耦合波长随外界折射率增大而增大,在接近光纤包层折射率处具有很高的折射率灵敏度,最大达到了172 nm/riu(refractive index unit)。而且,包层模谐振的光谱半峰全宽(约0.07 nm)仅为布拉格纤芯模谐振光谱半峰全宽的1/4,能够获得更好的传感精度。     

Biochemical sensor based on a novel all-fibre cavity ring down spectroscopy technique incorporating a tilted fibre Bragg grating

A novel all-fibre cavity ring down spectroscopy technique is proposed where a tilt fibre Bragg grating (TFBG) or long-period grating (LPG) in the cavity provides sensitivity to surrounding medium. Such configuration with an LPG as the representative was theoretically analyzed. Two spectral bands were identified employable for sensing of surrounding refractive index for a weak LPG while only one band existed for a strong LPG. A TFBG, with enhanced sensitivity compared to usual LPGs, was used in a ring down cavity of 1 m constructed with 2 fibre Bragg gratings as the reflectors and the decay time changed from 220 to 450 ns when the TFBG was immersed into water from air.     

基于SM-NCF反射光谱辨识的液体折射率监测方法

针对分子生物学与环境监测领域高灵敏度特异性检测需求,提出一种基于反射光谱特征辨识的单端反射式光纤折射率传感器模型,并给出了这种基于多模干涉原理的单模光纤-无芯光纤(Single mode fiber-No core fiber, SM-NCF)串接结构传感机理及其理论模型。无芯光纤实质上是一种结构特殊的多模光纤,在实际应用中无芯光纤结构本身作为纤芯,外界环境介质当作包层,构成光波导结构。这与普通多模光纤相比,不需要采用氢氟酸对多模光纤的包层进行化学腐蚀,不会降低光纤的机械性能,也不会破坏芯模传输条件,可以更好的实现对周围环境折射率的传感监测。当无芯光纤所处外界环境折射率发生改变时,其波导结构和包层有效折射率均会发生改变,从而引起传输光信号的纵向传播常数和模场分布也会随之发生改变,最终导致不同波长对应传输光功率的变化。上述效应反映在反射光谱上,即干涉波谷对应的谐振波长、波谷峰值强度以及半波宽度发生相应变化,通过辨识该反射光谱特征就可实现对外界环境折射率的测量。借助光束传播法(BPM),数值模拟得到无芯光纤长度分别为自映像距离和非自映像距离时的SM-NCF内部光场能量分布规律,并制作了无芯光纤长度分别为自映像距离和非自映像距离的SM-NCF光纤折射率传感探头,将作为传感区域的无芯光纤一端与标准单模光纤熔接,采用磁控溅射技术在无芯光纤另一端面镀上金膜,用以提升反射光谱强度。在此基础上,搭建了基于SM-NCF终端反射型的光纤折射率试验系统,并开展了相关实验研究。研究结果表明,当无芯光纤长度是15 mm(自映像距离)时,随着液体折射率从1.331 5依次增大至1.390 2,SM-NCF反射光谱逐渐向长波方向偏移,其反射峰谐振波长对应的折射率灵敏度约为197.57 nm·RIU-1,相关系数为0.93;反射峰值强度也呈现逐渐降低趋势,其折射率灵敏度约为-62.80 dB·RIU-1。当无芯光纤长度是20 mm(非自映像距离)时,随着液体折射率依次增大,SM-NCF反射光谱呈现明显双峰现象,且均逐渐向长波方向偏移,dip2谐振峰波长折射率灵敏度约为133 nm·RIU-1,相关系数为0.96;反射峰值强度也呈现逐渐降低趋势,其折射率灵敏度约为-31.66 dB·RIU-1。对比分析可知,不论是从反射峰谐振波长偏移的角度,还是从反射峰值强度的角度,自映像距离长度对应的 SM-NCF终端反射型光纤传感器均具有较高灵敏度。对于相同折射率液体环境,非自映像距离长度对应的SM-NCF反射光谱半波宽度与自映像距离长度相比,呈现显著变窄趋势。相对于SMS透射型传感结构,当传感区域长度相同时,SM-NCF反射型结构能够实现对光波信号的往返两次调节。这种终端反射型SM-NCF传感器改进了传统透射型折射率传感器不便与待测液体相接触的缺点,具有结构简单、易于制作、抗电磁干扰能力强以及便于远程遥测等优点,能够为后续生化与环保监测领域研究应用提供有益支持。     

氧化石墨烯修饰倾斜光纤光栅10–12级重金属离子传感

设计了一种氧化石墨烯(GO)功能化的倾斜光纤光栅(TFBG)传感器,用于检测水溶液中的重金属离子.通过氧等离子体活化光纤表面,以及采用GO的无水乙醇分散液,避免了咖啡环效应引起的GO的团聚和堆叠,充分了暴露GO的表面和羧基.吸附重金属离子后, GO-TFBG传感器的透射光谱中的谐振峰发生红移,这是由GO向重金属离子的电子转移导致的有效折射率变化造成的.对Pb²⁺和Cd²⁺离子最低检测限可达到10^–10 mol/L (ng/L量级),相应灵敏度分别为0.426 d B/(nmol·L^–1)和0.385 d B/(nmol·L^–1)(2.06和3.43 d B/(μg·L^–1)).此外, GO-TFBG传感器具有出色的器件一致性, 5组传感器的传感性能稳定.本研究实现了GO纳米片在光纤表面的无团聚和均匀成膜,获得了具有超大表面积的GO并充分暴露表面羧基实现对重金属离子的吸附,利用了TFBG不同模式谐振对环境的高度敏感性,完成了对低浓度重金属离子的高灵敏度、可重...     

基于椭球封闭空气腔的光纤复合法布里-珀罗结构折射率传感特性研究

提出了基于微椭球型空气腔的在线型光纤复合法布里-珀罗干涉结构,并对其折射率传感特性进行了研究.椭球型空气微腔是利用光纤熔接机对实芯光子晶体光纤和单模光纤以特定的熔接参数熔接形成.用高斯光束模型和ABCD法则分析了椭球型空气腔的腔内损耗,建立了电磁场在复合法布里-珀罗干涉结构中传播的物理模型.根据腔长比值的不同,环境折射率对干涉条纹的影响有对比度调制和波长调制,主要研究了一种波长调制型复合法布里-珀罗结构折射率传感器.仿真结果表明该折射率传感器在1—1.6范围内不出现折射率转折点;实验结果表明在1.333—1.466范围内,折射率灵敏度～37.088 nm·RIU-1,分辨率约为2.69×10-5.该光纤复合法布里-珀罗结构干涉条纹对比度高、体积小、成本低,用于折射率测量可靠性高、分辨率高、无折射率拐点、温度串扰小.     

微纳光纤布拉格光栅折射率传感特性研究

利用光纤布拉格光栅方程和光纤基模有效折射率随纤芯半径和环境折射率的函数关系, 建立了微纳光纤布拉格光栅(MNFBG)反射波长随环境折射率变化的数学模型, 给出了波长灵敏度函数, 并指出MNFBG反射波长的变化规律决定于有效折射率随纤芯半径和环境折射率变化的关系. 详细探究了有效折射率及其灵敏度的变化规律, 结果表明: 有效折射率随纤芯半径和环境折射率的减小而非线性减小, 其对环境折射率变化的灵敏度随环境折射率的增大而非线性增加, 而且随纤芯半径减小, 有效折射率的灵敏度、线性度以及线性响应范围均呈递增规律. 通过对纤芯半径为0.5 μm的MNFBG在1.20–1.30和1.33–1.43 环境折射率范围内的波长响应关系拟合, 分别获得了477.33 nm/RIU和856.30 nm/RIU的波长灵敏度以及99.58 %和99.7%的高线性度, 论证了分析结论以及折射率区间划分测量方案的正确性, 为MNFBG折射率传感器的设计、优化以及应用提供了参考依据. 关键词： 微纳光纤 光纤布拉格光栅 折射率传感 数值模拟     

螺旋形塑料光纤表面等离子体共振折射率传感器

研究了基于波长调制的螺旋形塑料光纤(plastic optical fiber, POF)表面等离子体共振(surface plasmon resonance, SPR)折射率传感器。采用机械热压和扭曲法将塑料光纤制备成螺旋形,在螺旋形POF上通过磁控溅射蒸镀一定厚度(约50 nm)的金属薄膜来激励SPR效应,从而形成螺旋形POF-SPR传感器。通过对螺旋形POF-SPR传感器的结构进行修饰,研究不同结构参数对折射率传感特性的影响。实验结果表明:由厚度为500μm扁平形POF扭制、螺纹数为4的螺旋形POF-SPR传感器具有较好的线性度和折射率传感特性,在折射率为1.335～1.400范围内测得的灵敏度为1 262 nm/RIU。该传感器具有成本较低、制备简单、结构稳定等优点。     

Refractive index sensor based on stress-induced long period grating

We proposed a novel refractive index sensor based on a side-polishing fiber to be cascaded with a stress-induced long period fiber grating (LPG), which is created by applying a force to a V-grooved plate on the single mode fiber with micro-bending deformation. When the refractive index (RI) surrounding the side-polishing surface is changed, the LPG-induced cladding mode light could be coupled back to the core mode, so that it will result in the magnitude variation of LPG loss-peak. This property of index sensing based on the stress-induced LPG by monitoring the power-level change may be exploited in chemical sensing and environmental monitoring applications.     

温度和应变对光纤折射率的影响

采用迈克尔逊（Ｍｉｃｈｅｌｓｏｎ）光纤白光干涉系统，通过测量随着温度或应变改变而变化的光程，给出了单模光纤有效折射率的温度和应变相关特性。对于ＳＭＦ－２８型单模光纤，测得折射率温度系数和应变温度系数在波长为１３００ｎｍ处分别为０．７６２×１０－５／℃及－０．１３３２×１０－６／με；在波长１５５０ｎｍ处则为０．８１１×１０－５／℃及－０．１６４９×１０－６／με。并与几种不同光纤相应的数据进行了比较。     

Widely tunable long-period fiber grating with nm-thick higher refractive index film overlay

By introducing a four-layer step-index waveguide modeling, the characteristics of long-period fiber grating (LPFG) with an nm-thick film overlay, which has higher refractive index than that of fiber cladding are investigated in detail. The influence of both the overlay thickness and refractive index on the tuning ability of LPFG is analyzed. The numerical results demonstrate that spectral response of LPFG is divided into three distinct regions as the overlay deposition increases and the shift of resonant wavelength is drastic in some special thickness range. In conjunction with higher-order cladding mode coupling and fiber cladding etching, the sensitivity of LPFG to the overlay refractive index is enhanced significantly and over 120 nm resonant wavelength tunable range is achieved.     

波长调制型表面等离子体共振的传感特性研究

表面等离子体共振(SPR)光学传感器能实现生物医学的快速、 无标记、 高精度检测,是生物化学分析的重要方法。 研制了基于波长调制型的Kretschmann结构表面等离子体共振(SPR)生物传感系统,研究了在体溶液传感方式下的传感性能。 利用不同浓度的乙醇和乙二醇溶液进行体溶液传感测试。 实验结果表明,在折射率低时共振波长对折射率变化响应的灵敏度低,但响应的线性度高;随着折射率增大,共振波长对折射率的响应变化的灵敏度提高。 在1.407 0～1.430 RIU折射率范围内,灵敏度高达11 487 nm·RIU-1。 传感器的共振波长的稳定性为0.213 8 nm,可分辨最小折射率趋近10-6 RIU。 所研制的波长调制型表面等离子共振传感器操作简单、 灵敏度高、 检测范围大,可实现浓度极低生物标记物的有效检测,在化学、 生物传感领域有重要的应用。