Broadband Michelson fiber-optic accelerometer

Abstract

A broadband (5-500 Hz) all-fiber-optic accelerometer was developed on the basis of Michelson interferometry, which is realized by a 3-dB single-mode fiber-optic beam splitter. On the distal endface of both interferometric arms of the splitter high-reflectance aluminum films were directly deposited to act as reflecting mirrors. The performance of a prototype of the accelerometer is examined. The results reveal that external stimuli can be truly sensed by the accelerometer, and the constraint level on lateral movement of the acceleration-sensitive mass is an important factor in determining the useful frequency bandwidth. The experimental results are compared with theoretical predictions.