Random forest assisted vector displacement sensor based on a multicore fiber

We proposed a two-dimensional vector displacement sensor with the capability of distinguishing the direction and amplitude of the displacement simultaneously, with improved performance assisted by random forest, a powerful machine learning algorithm. The sensor was designed based on a seven-core multi-core fiber inscribed with Bragg gratings, with a displacement direction range of 0-360° and the amplitude range related to the length of the sensor body. The displacement information was obtained under a random circumstance, where the performances with theoretical model and random forest model were studied. With the theoretical model, the sensor performed well over a shorter linear range (from 0 to 9 mm). Whereas the sensor assisted with random forest algorithm exhibits better performance in two aspects, a wider measurement range (from 0 to 45 mm) and a reduced measurement error of displacement. Mean absolute errors of direction and amplitude reconstruction were decreased by 60% and 98%, respectively. The proposed displacement sensor shows the possibility of machine learning methods to be applied in point-based optical systems for multi-parameter sensing.