Multicore fiber sensor for high-temperature applications up to 1000 °C

A novel high temperature sensor based on customized multicore fiber (MCF) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The sensor consists of a short, few-centimeter-long segment of MCF spliced between two standard single-mode fibers. Due to interference effects, the transmission spectrum through this fiber chain features sharp and deep notches. Exposing the MCF segment to increasing temperatures of up to 1000 degrees C results in a shift of the transmission notches toward longer wavelengths with a slope of approximately 29 pm/degrees C at lower temperatures and 52 pm/degrees C at higher temperatures, enabling temperature measurements with high sensitivity and accuracy. Due to its compact size and mechanical rigidity, the MCF sensor can be subjected to harsh environments. The fabrication of the MCF sensor is straightforward and reproducible, making it an inexpensive fiber device. (C) 2014 Optical Society of America