Specialty optical fibers for advanced sensing applications

Optical fiber technology has changed the world by enabling extraordinary growth in world-wide communications and sensing.The rapid development and wide deployment of optical fiber sensors are driven by their excellent sensing performance with outstanding flexibility,functionality,and versatility.Notably,the research on specialty optical fibers is playing a critical role in enabling and proliferating the optical fiber sensing applications.This paper overviews recent developments in specialty optical fibers and their sensing applications.The specialty optical fibers are reviewed based on their innovations in special structures,special materials,and technologies to realize lab in/on a fiber.An overview of sensing applications in various fields is presented.The prospects and emerging research areas of specialty optical fibers are also discussed.

A New Method for In-Situ Measurement of Internal Solitary Waves Based on the Stimulated Raman Scattering in Optical Fibers

In-situ measurement of internal solitary waves(ISWs)is complicated in the ocean due to their randomness.At present,the ISWs are mainly detected by the chain structure of conductivity-temperature-depth systems(CTDs)or temperature sensors.The high cost limits the spatial resolution,which ultimately affects the measuring accuracy of the ISW amplitude.In this paper,we developed an experimental measurement system for detecting ISWs based on the stimulated Raman scattering in distributed optical fibers.This system has the advantages of high precision,low cost,and easy operation.The experimental results show that the system is consistent with CTDs in the measurement of vertical ocean temperature variation.The spatial resolution of the system can reach 1.0 m and the measuring accuracy of temperature is 0.2℃.We successfully detected 3 ISWs by the system in the South China Sea and two optical remote sensing images collected on May 18,2021,the same day of two detected ISWs,verify the occurrence of the measured ISWs.We used the image pairs method to calculate the phase velocity of ISW and the result is 1.71 ms^(-1).By extracting the distances between wave packets,it can be found that the semi-diurnal tide generates the detected ISWs.The impact of the tidal current velocity on the ISW in amplitude is undeniable.Undoubtedly,the system has a great application prospect for detecting ISWs and other dynamic phenomena in the ocean.

Development of Glass Optical Fibers 1970-2020,Providing Us the Digitalized Communication World

New types of communication cables were found to be needed already during the 1960-decade,because the copper cables had,and still would have,too high attenuation and especially limited bandwidth,due to extremely high dispersion at communication signals above 2 Mbit/s.Already the first commercially available multimode optical fibers(1979),developed from pure silica glass with a Ge-doped core,had much lower attenuation at signal frequencies of the order of 2-9 Mbit/s and above it.However,fiber core,cladding and coating materials,cable structures and materials,as well as manufacturing-,measurements-and test methods have been needed to be developed much further to get the reliable fiber cable communication networks.The important development stages and solutions to the most significant childhood problems of the optical fibers and cables are described in this paper.Now over 500 million km of optical fibers are manufactured and installed worldwide for the communication networks.The understanding of how to make the fibers with the very good transmission,mechanical and reliability properties exists at the manufacturers of the fibers and cables.

Controllable Synthesis of Au NRs and Its Flexible SERS Optical Fiber Probe with High Sensitivity

The surface-enhanced Raman scattering(SERS) optical fiber probes were successfully prepared by self-assembling on polyelectrolyte multilayers. Gold nanorods(Au NRs) were used as SERS enhancement material to give excellent biological affinity and stability to the SERS optical fiber probes. Au NRs were synthesized by seed growth method. The synergistic effect between AgNO_(3) and surfactant was investigated, and the highest yield was found when AgNO_(3) was 500 uL. Meanwhile, different SERS optical fiber probes were obtained by selecting silane coupling agent, polyelectrolyte multilayer and graphene oxide(GO) to treat quartz fiber. It was found that the SERS optical fiber probes obtained by the self-assembled on polyelectrolyte multilayers method performed better than those by other methods. In addition, Mapping was combined with finite element simulation to analyze the electromagnetic field distribution at the fiber end face.The electromagnetic field distribution of Au NRs was investigated, the difference of electromagnetic field intensity around the Au NRs with different arrangements was compared, the strongest signal was obtained when the Au NRs were head-to-head. Finally, sensitivity of the optimized SERS optical fiber probes could reach 10^(-9)mol/L, with excellent stability and repeatability.

Functional Optical Fiber Sensors Detecting Imperceptible Physical/Chemical Changes for Smart Batteries

The battery technology progress has been a contradictory process in which performance improvement and hidden risks coexist.Now the battery is still a“black box”,thus requiring a deep understanding of its internal state.The battery should“sense its internal physical/chemical conditions”,which puts strict requirements on embedded sensing parts.This paper summarizes the application of advanced optical fiber sensors in lithium-ion batteries and energy storage technologies that may be mass deployed,focuses on the insights of advanced optical fiber sensors into the processes of one-dimensional nano-micro-level battery material structural phase transition,electrolyte degradation,electrode-electrolyte interface dynamics to three-dimensional macro-safety evolution.The paper contributes to understanding how to use optical fiber sensors to achieve“real”and“embedded”monitoring.Through the inherent advantages of the advanced optical fiber sensor,it helps clarify the battery internal state and reaction mechanism,aiding in the establishment of more detailed models.These advancements can promote the development of smart batteries,with significant importance lying in essentially promoting the improvement of system consistency.Furthermore,with the help of smart batteries in the future,the importance of consistency can be weakened or even eliminated.The application of advanced optical fiber sensors helps comprehensively improve the battery quality,reliability,and life.

Optical scanning endoscope via a single multimode optical fiber

Optical endoscopy has become an essential diagnostic and therapeutic approach in modern biomedicine for directly observing organs and tissues deep inside the human body,enabling non-invasive,rapid diagnosis and treatment.Optical fiber endoscopy is highly competitive among various endoscopic imaging techniques due to its high flexibility,compact structure,excellent resolution,and resistance to electromagnetic interference.Over the past decade,endoscopes based on a single multimode optical fiber(MMF)have attracted widespread research interest due to their potential to significantly reduce the footprint of optical fiber endoscopes and enhance imaging capabilities.In comparison with other imaging principles of MMF endoscopes,the scanning imaging method based on the wavefront shaping technique is highly developed and provides benefits including excellent imaging contrast,broad applicability to complex imaging scenarios,and good compatibility with various well-established scanning imaging modalities.In this review,various technical routes to achieve light focusing through MMF and procedures to conduct the scanning imaging of MMF endoscopes are introduced.The advancements in imaging performance enhancements,integrations of various imaging modalities with MMF scanning endoscopes,and applications are summarized.Challenges specific to this endoscopic imaging technology are analyzed,and potential remedies and avenues for future developments are discussed.

Effect of radiation-induced mean wavelength shift in optical fibers on the scale factor of an interferometric fiber optic gyroscope at a wavelength of 1300 nm

In order to analyze the effect of wavelength-dependent radiation-induced attenuation （RIA） on the mean trans- mission wavelength in optical fiber and the scale factor of interferometric fiber optic gyroscopes （IFOGs）, three types of polarization-maintaining （PM） fibers are tested by using a 60Co γ-radiation source. The observed different mean wave- length shift （MWS） behaviors for different fibers are interpreted by color-center theory involving dose rate-dependent absorption bands in ultraviolet and visible ranges and total dose-dependent near-infrared absorption bands. To evaluate the mean wavelength variation in a fiber coil and the induced scale factor change for space-borne IFOGs under low radiation doses in a space environment, the influence of dose rate on the mean wavelength is investigated by testing four germanium （Ge） doped fibers and two germanium-phosphorus （Ge-P） codoped fibers irradiated at different dose rates. Experimental results indicate that the Ge-doped fibers show the least mean wavelength shift during irradiation and their mean wavelength of optical signal transmission in fibers will shift to a shorter wavelength in a low-dose-rate radiation environment. Finally, the change in the scale factor of IFOG resulting from the mean wavelength shift is estimated and tested, and it is found that the significant radiation-induced scale factor variation must be considered during the design of space-borne IFOGs.

Stress and modal birefringence of single-mode specialty optical fibers with three-stress regions

Stress-induced birefringence and modal birefringence of single-mode specialty optical fibers with three stress regions are numerically analyzed by the vector finite element method. Stress distribution and stress-induced birefringence distribution of three kinds of optical fibers with different cross structures are presented and compared, and the influence on the stress- induced birefringence by temperature change are analyzed as well. The results show that the fibers with three-stress regions have a lower linear birefringence, which is very important for the fabrication of the circular polaxization-maintalning fiber with high performance drawn from the same fiber preform by using the spinning method.

Effect of radiation-induced color centers absorption in optical fibers on fiber optic gyroscope for space application

The effects of color centers＇ absorption on fibers and interferometric fiber optical gyroscopes（IFOGs） are studied in the paper. The irradiation induced attenuation（RIA） spectra of three types of polarization-maintaining fibers（PMFs）, i.e.,P-doped, Ge-doped, and pure silica, irradiated at 100 Gy and 1000 Gy are measured in a wavelength range from 1100 nm to1600 nm and decomposed according to the Gaussian model. The relationship of the color centers absorption intensity with radiation dose is investigated based on a power model. Furthermore, the effects of all color centers＇ absorption on RIA and mean wavelength shifts（MWS） at 1300 nm and 1550 nm are discussed respectively. Finally, the random walk coefficient（RWC） degradation induced from RIA and the scale factor error induced by MWS of the IFOG are simulated and tested at a wavelength of 1300 nm. This research will contribute to the applications of the fibers in radiation environments.

Microperimetry and spectral domain optical coherence tomography in myelinated retinal nerve fibers

Dear Sir,I write to present the correlation between microperimetric （MP） values and the density of myelinated retinal nerve fibers （MNFs） in optical coherence tomography （OCT） imaging.

A hardening load transfer function for rock bolts and its calibration using distributed fiber optic sensing

Confinement of rock bolts by the surrounding rock formation has long been recognized as a positive contributor to the pull-out behavior,yet only a few experimental works and analytical models have been reported,most of which are based on the global rock bolt response evaluated in pull-out tests.This paper presents a laboratory experimental setup aiming to capture the rock formation effect,while using distributed fiber optic sensing to quantify the effect of the confinement and the reinforcement pull-out behavior on a more local level.It is shown that the behavior along the sample itself varies,with certain points exhibiting stress drops with crack formation.Some edge effects related to the kinematic freedom of the grout to dilate are also observed.Regardless,it was found that the mid-level response is quite similar to the average response along the sample.The ability to characterize the variation of the response along the sample is one of the many advantages high-resolution fiber optic sensing allows in such investigations.The paper also offers a plasticity-based hardening load transfer function,representing a"slice"of the anchor.The paper describes in detail the development of the model and the calibration/determination of its parameters.The suggested model captures well the coupled behavior in which the pull-out process leads to an increase in the confining stress due to dilative behavior.

Dual-channel fiber-optic surface plasmon resonance sensor with cascaded coaxial dual-waveguide D-type structure and microsphere structure

To address the restriction of fiber-optic surface plasmon resonance(SPR) sensors in the field of multi-sample detection, a novel dual-channel fiber-optic SPR sensor based on the cascade of coaxial dual-waveguide D-type structure and microsphere structure is proposed in this paper. The fiber sidepolishing technique converts the coaxial dual-waveguide fiber into a D-type one, and the evanescent wave in the ring core leaks, generating a D-type sensing region;the fiber optic fused ball push technology converts the coaxial dual waveguides into microspheres, and the stimulated cladding mode evanescent wave leaks, producing the microsphere sensing region. By injecting light into the coaxial dual-waveguide middle core alone, the sensor can realize single-stage sensing in the microsphere sensing area;it can also realize dual-channel sensing in the D-type sensing area and microsphere sensing area by injecting light into the ring core. The refractive index measurement ranges for the two channels are 1.333–1.365 and 1.375–1.405, respectively, with detection sensitivities of 981.56 nm/RIU and 4138 nm/RIU. The sensor combines wavelength division multiplexing and space division multiplexing technologies, presenting a novel research concept for multi-channel fiber SPR sensors.

3D printed fiber-optic nanomechanical bioprobe

Ultrasensitive nanomechanical instruments,e.g.atomic force microscopy(AFM),can be used to perform delicate biomechanical measurements and reveal the complex mechanical environment of biological processes.However,these instruments are limited because of their size and complex feedback system.In this study,we demonstrate a miniature fiber optical nanomechanical probe(FONP)that can be used to detect the mechanical properties of single cells and in vivo tissue measurements.A FONP that can operate in air and in liquids was developed by programming a microcantilever probe on the end face of a single-mode fiber using femtosecond laser two-photon polymerization nanolithography.To realize stiffness matching of the FONP and sample,a strategy of customizing the microcantilever’s spring constant according to the sample was proposed based on structure-correlated mechanics.As a proof-of concept,three FONPs with spring constants varying from 0.421 N m^(−1)to 52.6 N m^(−1)by more than two orders of magnitude were prepared.The highest microforce sensitivity was 54.5 nmμN^(−1)and the detection limit was 2.1 nN.The Young’s modulus of heterogeneous soft materials,such as polydimethylsiloxane,muscle tissue of living mice,onion cells,and MCF-7 cells,were successfully measured,which validating the broad applicability of this method.Our strategy provides a universal protocol for directly programming fiber-optic AFMs.Moreover,this method has no special requirements for the size and shape of living biological samples,which is infeasible when using commercial AFMs.FONP has made substantial progress in realizing basic biological discoveries,which may create new biomedical applications that cannot be realized by current AFMs.

Modulation instabilities in randomly birefringent two-mode optical fibers

Modulation instabilities in the randomly birefringent two-mode optical fibers （RB-TMFs） are analyzed in detail by accounting the effects of the differential mode group delay （DMGD） and group velocity dispersion （GVD） ratio between the two modes, both of which are absent in the randomly birefringent single-mode optical fibers （RB-SMFs）. New MI characteristics are found in both normal and anomalous dispersion regimes. For the normal dispersion, without DMGD, no MI exists. With DMGD, a completely new MI band is generated as long as the total power is smaller than a critical total power value, named by Per, which increases significantly with the increment of DMGD, and reduces dramatically as GVD ratio and power ratio between the two modes increases. For the anomalous dispersion, there is one MI band without DMGD. In the presence of DMGD, the MI gain is reduced generally. On the other hand, there also exists a critical total power （Per）, which increases （decreases） distinctly with the increment of DMGD （GVD ratio of the two modes） but varies complicatedly with the power ratio between the two modes. Two MI bands are present for total power smaller than Per, and the dominant band can be switched between the low and high frequency bands by adjusting the power ratio between the two modes. The M1 analysis in this paper is verified by numerical simulation.

Temperature dependence of the refractive index of optical fibers

Many experimental investigations on the temperature dependence of the refractive index of optical fibers have been reported previously, however a satisfying theoretical explanation for it is still absent. In this paper, a theoretical model about the temperature dependence of the refractive index of optical fibers is presented and it is in agreement with the previous experimental results. This work is a significant reference for the research and development of temperature sensors based on optical fiber delay lines.

High resolution angular-displacement sensor based on whispering gallery mode resonance in bent optical fibers

A simple fiber sensor to measure angular displacement with high resolution, which is based on whispering gallery mode （WGM） resonance in bent optical fibers,is proposed. The sensor is composed of a single loop formed by loosely tying a knot using single mode fiber. To measure the transmission spectra, a tunable laser and an optic power meter are connected to the two ends of fi- ber loop, respectively. Significant WGM resonances occur over the investigated wavelength range for all the sensors with different bend radius. The angular-displacement sensitivity is studied in the range from -0. 1°to 0. 1°. The detection limit of 1.49 × 10 ^-7 rad can be achieved for the detecting system with the resolution of lpm. The simple loop-structure fiber sensor has potential application prospect in the field of architecture or bridge building with low detection limit and low cost.

Theoretical analysis of optical force density distribution inside subwavelength-diameter optical fibers

We investigate the microscopic optical force density distributions respectively inside a subwavelength-diameter（SD）fiber with flat endface and inside one with oblique endface by using a finite-difference time-domain（FDTD） method.Optical force density distributions at the fiber endfaces can now be readily available. The complete knowledge of optical force density distributions not only reveal features regarding the microscopic near-field optomechanical interaction, but also provide straightforward explanations for the sideway deflections and other mechanical motions. Our results can provide a useful reference for better understanding the mechanical influence when light transports in a microscale or nanoscale structure and for developing future highly-sensitive optomechanical devices.

Tapered optical fiber DNA biosensor for detecting Leptospira DNA

Objective: To establish a DNA detection platform based on a tapered optical fiber to detect Leptospira DNA by targeting the leptospiral secY gene.Methods: The biosensor works on the principle of light propagating in the special geometry of the optical fiber tapered from a waist diameter of 125 to 12 μm. The fiber surface was functionalized through a cascade of chemical treatments and the immobilization of a DNA capture probe targeting the secY gene. The presence of the target DNA was determined from the wavelength shift in the optical transmission spectrum.Results: The biosensor demonstrated good sensitivity, detecting Leptospira DNA at 0.001 ng/μL, and was selective for Leptospira DNA without cross-reactivity with non-leptospiral microorganisms. The biosensor specifically detected DNA that was specifically amplified through the loop-mediated isothermal amplification approach.Conclusions: These findings warrant the potential of this platform to be developed as a novel alternative approach to diagnose leptospirosis.

Knot-inspired optical sensors for slip detection and friction measurement in dexterous robotic manipulation

Friction plays a critical role in dexterous robotic manipulation.However,realizing friction sensing remains a challenge due to the difficulty in designing sensing structures to decouple multi-axial forces.Inspired by the topological mechanics of knots,we construct optical fiber knot(OFN)sensors for slip detection and friction measurement.By introducing localized self-contacts along the fiber,the knot structure enables anisotropic responses to normal and frictional forces.By employing OFNs and a change point detection algorithm,we demonstrate adaptive robotic grasping of slipping cups.We further develop a robotic finger that can measure tri-axial forces via a centrosymmetric architecture composed of five OFNs.Such a tactile finger allows a robotic hand to manipulate human tools dexterously.This work could provide a straightforward and cost-effective strategy for promoting adaptive grasping,dexterous manipulation,and human-robot interaction with tactile sensing.

Encrypted optical fiber tag based on encoded fiber Bragg grating array

Optical fibers are typically used in telecommunications services for data transmission,where the use of fiber tags is essential to distinguish between the different transmission fibers or channels and thus ensure the working functionality of the communication system.Traditional physical entity marking methods for fiber labeling are bulky,easily confused,and,most importantly,the label information can be accessed easily by all potential users.This work proposes an encrypted optical fiber tag based on an encoded fiber Bragg grating(FBG)array that is fabricated using a point-by-point femtosecond laser pulse chain inscription method.Gratings with different resonant wavelengths and reflectivities are realized by adjusting the grating period and the refractive index modulations.It is demonstrated that a binary data sequence carried by a fiber tag can be inscribed into the fiber core in the form of an FBG array,and the tag data can be encrypted through appropriate design of the spatial distributions of the FBGs with various reflection wavelengths and reflectivities.The proposed fiber tag technology can be used for applications in port identification,encrypted data storage,and transmission in fiber networks.