Sensitivity-enhanced refractive index sensor by using tapered thin-core fiber based inline mach-zehnder interferometer

摘要

A sensitivity-enhanced optical fiber refractive index sensor based on inline Mach-Zehnder interferometer is proposed. The sensor head is formed by splicing a tapered thin-core diameter fiber between two sections of single mode fibers. The taper (less than 1 mm) plays an important role in improving the sensitivity of the sensor. The sensitivity of refractive index is measured to be 0.447 nm for a 1% change of refractive index. The proposed sensor also shows the merits of simple structure, low cost, and easy fabrication.