Tunable semiconductor laser application for interferometric optical fiber sensors

Methods of operating point stabilization of interferometric sensors using tunable lasers are presented. These methods employ circuits which control the wavelength of an external cavity tunable semiconductor laser. Modes of operation of the control circuits and problems related to their design are discussed. The limitations restricting the use of discussed control circuit types are analyzed. An interferometric force sensor was built and tested. Results of measurements carried out using the sensor are presented.