Refractive index sensing using ultrasonically crushed polymer optical fibers

We demonstrate power-based refractive index (RI) sensing using an ultrasonically crushed polymer optical fiber (POF). This structure can be easily and cost-effectively fabricated within a short time (i.e., ~1 s) without the need to employ external heat sources or chemicals. The only requirement is to simply press a horn connected to an ultrasonic transducer against part of the POF. The RI dependence of the transmitted power shows linear trends in RI ranges of ~1.32 to ~1.36 [coefficient: −62 dB/RIU (RI unit)] and ~1.40 to ~1.44 (coefficient: −257 dB/RIU). The temperature dependence of the transmitted power is also investigated.

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