Fiber optic refractive index sensors through spectral detection of Rayleigh backscattering in a chemically etched MgO-based nanoparticle-doped fiber

Marzhan Sypabekova, Sanzhar Korganbayev, Wilfried Blanc, Takhmina Ayupova, Aliya Bekmurzayeva, Madina Shaimerdenova, Kanat Dukenbayev, Carlo Molardi, Daniele Tosi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We demonstrate and experimentally validate a fiber optic refractive index (RI) sensor obtained by simply etching a high-scattering MgO-based nanoparticle-doped single-mode fiber in hydrofluoric acid (HF). The fiber has 32.3 dB stronger Rayleigh scattering than a standard fiber, allowing a detection of scattering spectral signatures with an optical backscatter reflectometer, even when the core is exposed to the outer RI. The obtained sensitivity is 1.53 nm/RIU (RI units), measured by correlating the scattering spectra. We prove the possibility of implementing a distributed RI detection (seven locations spaced by 1 mm). The fabrication method for this RI sensor is simplified, since it simply requires etching in an HF bath, without the need of inscribing reflective elements or fabricating microstructures in the fiber.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5945-5948
Number of pages4
JournalOptics Letters
Volume43
Issue number24
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 15 2018

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

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