Fiber optic grating-based weighted, two-mode fiber sensors

Abstract

Two-mode, elliptical-core optic fibers with a permanent photo-induced index change are used as sensors with sensitivity varying as a function of length. The optic fiber sensors act as vibrational-mode filters thereby performing initial signal processing of the sensor signal. The sensors are based on photo-induced refractive index changes. These refractive index changes affect the differential phase modulation between the LP.sub.01 and the LP.sub.11.sup.even modes. The change in beat-length is dependent on the amount of strain induced in the fiber while the grating is being formed. The pattern is thus varied along the length of the fiber by straining the fiber in a specific fashion while the grating is being written. This changes the sensitivity, of the sensor along its length. By choosing an appropriate weighting function in the manufacture of the sensor, it is possible to implement vibrational-mode analysis, vibrational-mode filtering and other functions that are critical in control system applications.