High-sensitivity pressure sensor using a shielded polymer-coated fiber Bragg grating

Abstract

We demonstrate a novel high-sensitivity pressure sensor, which is based on the use of a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) embedded in a polymer-filled metal cylinder with an opening on one side to enhance the pressure sensitivity. The measured pressure sensitivity of the fractional change in the Bragg wavelength of our experimental sensor is -3.41/spl times/10/sup -3/ MPa/sup -1/ which is approximately 1720 times higher than that can be achieved with a bare FBG. The linearity of our sensor is also good. This sensor should find applications in the area of low-pressure measurement.