Refractometric sensor based on induced losses in the region of transition from a curved side-polished POF fiber

Abstract

A refractometric sensor that uses the transition region of a U-bent Plastic Optical Fiber (POF) when it is polished laterally is presented. By polishing a lateral segment of the fiber, a part of the plastic optical fiber core is removed and an elliptical surface is formed on the bend. It is found that that the polishing with an angle equals to the critical angle of a straight optical fiber the sensitivity of this transducer structure is enhanced. Then, the incident light is totally reflected and the transition losses decrease locally. In addition, the sensitivity increases compared to the polishing in the region of bending losses. The proposed transducer is successfully checked with experimental measurements and different kinds of liquids. Potential applications are suggested.