Open AccessHighly sensitive liquid level monitoring system utilizing polymer fiber Bragg gratings
Author(s) -
Carlos Marques,
Gang-Ding Peng,
David J. Webb
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.23.006058
Subject(s) - materials science , fiber bragg grating , optics , silicone rubber , fiber optic sensor , sensitivity (control systems) , optical fiber , phosfos , repeatability , fiber , optoelectronics , polarization maintaining optical fiber , composite material , wavelength , physics , chemistry , chromatography , electronic engineering , engineering
A novel and highly sensitive liquid level sensor based on a polymer optical fiber Bragg grating (POFBG) is experimentally demonstrated. Two different configurations are studied and both configurations show the potential to interrogate liquid level by measuring the strain induced in a POFBG embedded in a silicone rubber diaphragm, which deforms due to hydrostatic pressure variations. The sensor exhibits a highly linear response over the sensing range and a good repeatability. For comparison, a similar sensor using a FBG inscribed in silica fiber is fabricated, which displays a sensitivity that is a factor of 5 smaller than the POFBG. The temperature sensitivity is studied and a novel multi-sensor arrangement proposed which has the potential to provide level readings independent of temperature and the liquid density.