Submit to Sensors Review for Sensors Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Advances in Fiber Laser Sensors

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Optical Sensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 April 2023) | Viewed by 12133

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Liang Lu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Key Laboratory of Opto-Electronic Information Acquisition and Manipulation of Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
Interests: fiber laser; laser sensing; self-mixing technology; optical microcavity

Dr. Yuecheng Shen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Electrical and Information Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
Interests: optical imaging; wavefront shaping; imaging/focusing through scattering media
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Wencai Huang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Electronics Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
Interests: laser sensing and precision measurement

Dr. Weiqing Gao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Physics, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230002, China
Interests: optical fiber devices and systems

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sensors based on fiber laser techniques have always been a dynamic and fruitful object for basic and applied research, and now, they have been applied and developed in various different fields with the advancement of optical sensing technology. We invite you to submit manuscripts for an upcoming Special Issue dedicated to all aspects relevant to fiber laser sensors and related applications. Full papers, communications, and reviews are welcome.

This Special Issue of Sensors therefore aims to collect original research and review articles on recent advances, technologies, applications, and new challenges in the field of fiber laser sensors.

Potential topics include but are not limited to:

Optical fiber interferometers;
Physical sensors, chemical sensors, and biosensors;
Sensor applications;
Sensor networking and distributed sensing;
Experimental measuring and sensor system;
Fiber-based optical imaging and manipulation;
Sensor signal processing;
Optical sources for fiber sensors.

Dr. Liang Lu
Dr. Yuecheng Shen
Dr. Wencai Huang
Dr. Weiqing Gao
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sensors is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

optical fiber interferometers
physical sensors, chemical sensors, and biosensors
sensor applications
sensor networking and distributed sensing
experimental measuring and sensor system
fiber-based optical imaging and manipulation
sensor signal processing
optical sources for fiber sensors

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

12 pages, 1279 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

A Novel Method for Detecting Fe²⁺ at a Micromolar Concentration Based on Multiple Self-Mixing Interference Using a Fiber Laser

by Wu Sun, Zhuo Yang, Guo Feng, Zhou Chen, Qiaoyun Chang, Lan Hai and Zeqing Guo

Sensors 2023, 23(5), 2838; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23052838 - 05 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1330

Abstract

The concentration of an electrolyte is an optical characteristic of drinking water. We propose a method based on the multiple self-mixing interference with absorption for detecting the Fe²⁺ indicator as the electrolyte sample at a micromolar concentration. The theoretical expressions were derived based on the lasing amplitude condition in the presence of the reflected lights considering the concentration of the Fe²⁺ indicator via the absorption decay according to Beer’s law. The experimental setup was built to observe MSMI waveform using a green laser whose wavelength was located in the extent of the Fe²⁺ indicator’s absorption spectrum. The waveforms of the multiple self-mixing interference were simulated and observed at different concentrations. The simulated and experimental waveforms both contained the main and parasitic fringes whose amplitudes varied at different concentrations with different degrees, as the reflected lights participated in the lasing gain after absorption decay by the Fe²⁺ indicator. The experimental results and the simulated results showed a nonlinear logarithmic distribution of the amplitude ratio, the defined parameter estimating the waveform variations, versus the concentration of the Fe²⁺ indicator via numerical fitting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fiber Laser Sensors)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2979 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Shedding Light on Gas-Dynamic Effects in Laser Beam Fusion Cutting: The Potential of Background-Oriented Schlieren Imaging (BOS)

by Silvana Burger, Karen Schwarzkopf, Florian Klämpfl and Michael Schmidt

Sensors 2023, 23(2), 729; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23020729 - 09 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1516

Abstract

In laser beam fusion cutting of metals, the interaction of the gas jet with the melt determines the dynamics of the melt extrusion and the quality of the resulting cutting kerf. The gas-dynamic phenomena occurring during laser beam cutting are not fully known, especially regarding temporal fluctuations in the gas jet. The observation of gas and melt dynamics is difficult because the gas flow is not directly visible in video recordings and access to the process zone for observation is limited. In this study, the problem of imaging the gas jet from the cutting nozzle is addressed in a novel way by utilizing the striation pattern formed at the cutting kerf as a background pattern for background-oriented Schlieren imaging (BOS). In this first feasibility study, jets of different gas nozzles were observed in front of a solidified cutting kerf, which served as a background pattern for imaging. The results show that imaging of the characteristic shock diamonds of cutting nozzles is possible. Furthermore, the resulting shock fronts from an interaction of the gas jet with a model of a cutting front can be observed. The possibility of high-speed BOS with the proposed method is shown, which could be suitable to extend the knowledge of gas-dynamic phenomena in laser beam fusion cutting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fiber Laser Sensors)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 4699 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Different Linewidth Measuring Methods for Narrow Linewidth Laser

by Ziqi Zheng, Qiaoxia Luo, Xian Wang, Xiaohui Ma, Wei Zhang, Wentan Fang, Xiaolin Chen, Song Huang, Yong Zhou and Weiqing Gao

Sensors 2023, 23(1), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23010122 - 23 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2331

Abstract

We experimentally demonstrate a fiber laser with different linewidths based on self-injection locking (SIL) and the stimulated Brillouin scattering effect. Based on the homemade fiber laser, the error origin, resolution, and applicable range of delayed self-heterodyne interferometry (DSHI), self-correlation envelope linewidth detection (SCELD) and Voigt fitting are investigated numerically and experimentally. The selection of the linewidth measuring method should meet the following conclusions: an approximately Lorentzian self-heterodyne spectrum without the pedestal and high-intensity sinusoidal jitter is a prerequisite for DSHI; the SCELD needs a suitable length of delay fiber for eliminating flicker noise and dark noise of the electrical spectrum analyzer; a non-Lorentzian self-heterodyne spectrum without a pedestal is an indispensable element for Voigt fitting. According to the experimental results, the laser Lorentzian linewidth of SIL changes from 1.7 kHz to 587 Hz under different injection powers. When the Brillouin erbium fiber laser is utilized, the Lorentzian linewidth is measured to be 60 ± 5 Hz. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fiber Laser Sensors)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 5165 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

In-Line Mach Zehnder Interferometer Based on Ytterbium Doped Fiber with Up-Taper Structure in Fiber Ring Laser and Its Application in Sensing

by Weihao Lin, Yuhui Liu, Perry Ping Shum and Liyang Shao

Sensors 2022, 22(23), 9196; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22239196 - 26 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1219

Abstract

We report an ytterbium (Yb) doped fiber Mach Zehnder interferometer (MZI) based on the up-taper fiber structure in a fiber ring laser (FRL) cavity. Different from the traditional FRL sensing system, in which additional filters are required, the designed structure simultaneously acts as a filter, sensor and gain medium. Furthermore, thanks to the high thermal–optical coefficient of Yb doped fiber, the temperature sensitivity of 0.261 nm/°C can be achieved in the range of 10–50 °C. In addition, benefiting from the unique characteristics of the laser system itself, the designed structure has a narrower linewidth (−0.2 nm) and a higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) (−40 dB) than the sensor system based on a broadband light source (BBS). Meanwhile, the refractive index (RI) response and stability of the system are measured. The RI sensitivity is up to 151 nm/RIU, and the wavelength fluctuation range within two hours is less than 0.2 nm. Therefore, the designed structure is expected to play a significant role in human life safety monitoring, aircraft engine temperature monitoring, etc. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fiber Laser Sensors)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 4896 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Output Characterization of 220 nm Broadband 1250 nm Wavelength-Swept Laser for Dynamic Optical Fiber Sensors

by Gi Hyen Lee, Soyeon Ahn, Min Su Kim, Sang Won Lee, Ji Su Kim, Byeong Kwon Choi, Srinivas Pagidi and Min Yong Jeon

Sensors 2022, 22(22), 8867; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22228867 - 16 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1284

Abstract

Broadband wavelength-swept lasers (WSLs) are widely used as light sources in biophotonics and optical fiber sensors. Herein, we present a polygonal mirror scanning wavelength filter (PMSWF)-based broadband WSL using two semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) with different center wavelengths as the gain medium. The 10-dB bandwidth of the wavelength scanning range with 3.6 kHz scanning frequency was approximately 223 nm, from 1129 nm to 1352 nm. When the scanning frequency of the WSL was increased, the intensity and bandwidth decreased. The main reason for this is that the laser oscillation time becomes insufficient as the scanning frequency increases. We analyzed the intensity and bandwidth decrease according to the increase in the scanning frequency in the WSL through the concept of saturation limit frequency. In addition, optical alignment is important for realizing broadband WSLs. The optimal condition can be determined by analyzing the beam alignment according to the position of the diffraction grating and the lenses in the PMSWF. This broadband WSL is specially expected to be used as a light source in broadband distributed dynamic FBG fiber-optic sensors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fiber Laser Sensors)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 23180 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sagnac with Double-Sense Twisted Low-Birefringence Standard Fiber as Vibration Sensor

by Héctor Santiago-Hernández, Anuar Benjamín Beltrán-González, Azael Mora-Nuñez, Beethoven Bravo-Medina and Olivier Pottiez

Sensors 2022, 22(21), 8557; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22218557 - 07 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1394

Abstract

In this work, we study a double-sense twisted low-birefringence Sagnac loop structure as a sound/vibration sensing device. We study the relation between the adjustments of a wave retarder inside the loop (which allows controlling the transmission characteristic to deliver 10, 100, and 300 [...] Read more.

μ W

average power at the output of the system) and the response of the Sagnac sensor to vibration frequencies ranging from 0 to 22 kHz. For a 300 m loop Sagnac, two sets of experiments were carried out, playing at the same time all the sound frequencies mixed for ∼1 s, and playing a sweep of frequencies for 30 s. In both cases, the time- and frequency-domain transmission amplitudes are larger for an average power of 10

μ W

, and smaller for an average power of 300

μ W

. For mixed frequencies, the Fourier analysis shows that the Sagnac response is larger for low frequencies (from 0 to ∼5 kHz) than for high frequencies (from ∼5 kHz to ∼22 kHz). For a sweep of frequencies, the results reveal that the interferometer perceives all frequencies. However, beyond ∼2.5 kHz, harmonics are present each ∼50 Hz, revealing that some resonances are present. The results about the influence of the power transmission through the polarizer and power emission of laser diode (LD) on the Sagnac interferometer response at high frequencies reveal that our system is robust, and the results are highly reproducible, and harmonics do not depend on the state of polarization at the input of the Sagnac interferometer. Furthermore, increasing the LD output power from 5 mW to 67.5 mW allows us to eliminate noisy signals at the system output. in our setup, the minimum sound level detected was 56 dB. On the other hand, the experimental results of a 10 m loop OFSI reveal that the response at low frequencies (1.5 kHz to 5 kHz) is minor compared with the 300 m loop OFSI. However, the response at high frequencies is low but still enables the detection of these frequencies, yielding the possibility of tuning the response of the vibration sensor by varying the length of the Sagnac loop. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fiber Laser Sensors)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

22 pages, 5056 KiB

Open AccessReview

Research Progress on Magneto-Refractive Magnetic Field Fiber Sensors

by Linyi Wei, Yang Yu, Dongying Wang, Siyu Yao, Ning Li, Junjie Weng, Shumao Zhang, Jianqiao Liang, Hansi Ma, Junbo Yang and Zhenrong Zhang

Sensors 2023, 23(7), 3391; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23073391 - 23 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1803

Abstract

The magnetic field is a vital physical quantity in nature that is closely related to human production life. Magnetic field sensors (namely magnetometers) have significant application value in scientific research, engineering applications, industrial productions, and so forth. Accompanied by the continuous development of magnetic materials and fiber-sensing technology, fiber sensors based on the Magneto-Refractive Effect (MRE) not only take advantage in compact structure, superior performance, and strong environmental adaptability but also further meet the requirement of the quasi-distributed/distributed magnetic field sensing; they manifest potential and great application value in space detection, marine environmental monitoring, etc. Consequently, the present and prevalent Magneto-Refractive Magnetic Field Fiber Sensors (MR-MFSs) are briefly summarized by this paper, proceeding from the perspective of physicochemical properties; design methods, basic performance and properties are introduced systematically as well. Furthermore, this paper also summarizes key fabrication techniques and future development trends of MR-MFSs, expecting to provide ideas and technical references for staff engaging in relevant research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fiber Laser Sensors)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advances in Fiber Laser Sensors

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (7 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI