Compact omnidirectional multicore fiber-based vector bending sensor
Josu Amorebieta, Ángel Ortega-Gomez, Gaizka Durana, Rubén Fernández, Enrique Antonio‐Lopez, Axel Schülzgen, Joseba Zubía, Rodrigo Amezcua‐Correa, Joel Villatoro
Abstract
We propose and demonstrate a compact and simple vector bending sensor capable of distinguishing any direction and amplitude with high accuracy. The sensor consists of a short segment of asymmetric multicore fiber (MCF) fusion spliced to a standard single mode fiber. The reflection spectrum of such a structure shifts and shrinks in specific manners depending on the direction in which the MCF is bent. By monitoring simultaneously wavelength shift and light power variations, the amplitude and bend direction of the MCF can be unmistakably measured in any orientation, from 0° to 360°. The bending sensor proposed here is highly sensitive even for small bending angles (below 1°).