Extrinsic Fabry-Perot cavity optical fiber liquid-level sensor

Abstract

An optical fiber liquid-level sensor based on an extrinsic Fabry-Perot (FP) cavity is proposed and demonstrated. The FP cavity consists of the end of the single-mode optical fiber and the elastic silicon layer. Liquid pressures act on the mechanical construction to change the cavity length, resulting in differential phase shifts that may be observed as variations of the output signal intensity. Self-compensated steps have been taken to obtain high accuracy and long-term stability in realistic circumstances. Experimental results indicate that accuracy of 2 mm over a full scale of 3.5 m (water) is obtained under ambient temperature 10-38 degrees C. The sensor can be used to measure liquid levels continuously and accurately in explosive and flammable environments.