The sensitivity to transversal pressure of both silica and polymer microstructured fibres is studied. Transversal loads ranging from 100-1600 g are applied over a 5 mm long region of the fibres. Transversal pressure deforms the fibre structure proportionally to the applied load causing light to leak out, hence one can estimate structural changes by measuring the output of the fibre. The polymer fibre experiences higher deformations and consequently higher loss. Both fibres present linear behaviour within the studied load range and no hysteresis is observed.
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