Directional anemometer based on an anisotropic flat-clad tapered fiber Michelson interferometer

This work demonstrates a sensitive directional anemometer that is based on a pendulum-type of anisotropic flat-clad tapered fiber Michelson interferometer (AFCTFMI). The AFCTFMI is fabricated by tapering an anisotropic flat-cladding fiber to establish structural anisotropy, and enables the sensing of the direction and magnitude of flowing air (wind). Wavelength shifts and fringes visibility of the measured interference fringes are correlated with the magnitude and furthermore the direction of the wind. Experimental results agree closely with the theoretical analysis. The directional anemometer can simultaneously and effectively indicate the direction, and sensitively measure the magnitude of wind. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4734501]