An approach on a new variable amplitude waveform sensor

Compared with quartz, polymer optical fiber is more suitable for monitoring strain since it is with low cost and high strain sensitivity. This paper introduces the characteristics and sensing loss mechanism of polymer optical fiber, including micro bending and macro bending loss. The sensitivity of the sensor is analyzed from the aspect of the influence of fiber diameter, numerical aperture and other parameters. The mathematical model of the optical fiber strain-bending loss is established under ideal conditions. Further, two experiments on the sensor structure are designed. During the loading, the light intensity loss is recorded by the optical power meter. According to the experimental data, the curve of the bending loss-strain is drawn. As a consequence, according to the experimental result, the variable amplitude waveform sensor with better linearity and sensitivity is proposed, which enlarges the measurement range of strain. (C) 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.