INTERFEROMETRIC-FIBER-OPTIC STRAIN SENSOR

An interferometric-fiber-optic sensor and an efficient fringe-detection scheme are described. The fiber-optic interferometer consists of two fibers; they are labeled the reference fiber and the sensing fiber. The reference fiber is arranged in a circular pattern, whereas the sensing fiber is arranged in an 'S' pattern. These fibers are exposed to the same strain field and each experiences a strain-induced phase shift. A difference in the phase shift between the two fibers indicates a change in strain. The strain-induced phase difference causes the interferometrically produced fringes to shift spatially. Analysis shows that the number of fringes passing an arbitrary point on a screen (the detection point) is linearly related to the strain in the fiber. In this analysis, the strain sensor is assumed to be perfectly bonded so that the fibers experience the same strain field as the specimen. It is further assumed that the sensor covers a sufficiently small area so that the strain can be considered constant over the entire strain sensor.