LAUSR

Abstract We propose and verify a fiber optic temperature sensor whose demodulation method is measuring the spectra contrast, which is quantified by the amplitude of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) of interference fringes within a certain small wavelength range. A section of polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF) is spliced in the sensing arm of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI). Due to the birefringence of the PMF, a visible envelope is formed in the interference fringes. Within a certain range of optical frequency (i.e. wavelength), the change of birefringence caused by external temperature will drive the envelope drift, and the amplitude of interference fringe after fast Fourier transform will also change correspondingly. By measuring the change of amplitude, the purpose of demodulating external temperature can be realized. Experimental results show high sensitivity better than 2.1 dB/°Cwith a high accuracy of 0.00048 °C, comparing with the envelope drift measuring results 1.62 nm/°C with resolution of 0.012 °C. The resolution of this scheme is increased by two orders of magnitude compared with measuring the envelope drift. Moreover, merits of our sensor in terms of immune to phase shift of reference arm and the power fluctuation of light source benefit our practical application for such as electric power system monitoring.