In-Fiber Mach-Zehnder Interferometer Exploiting a Micro-Cavity For Strain and Temperature Simultaneous Measurement

An in-fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) with a micro-cavity (MC) exploited for strain and temperature simultaneous measurement. The research is carried out experimentally and simulatively. The MC fabricated by splicing a hollow quartz tube between two single-mode fibers serves as a light splitter for the two arms of MZI beams and a Fabry–Pérot interferometer (FPI) component at the same time. Thus both functions of the MZI and FPI were implemented in a single sensor. With aid of the different response of the MZI and FPI to the strain and temperature, this device can achieve a simultaneous measurement and the strain/temperature cross-sensitivity issue has been alleviated. Such a composite interference structure, possess the characteristics of easy making, high performance-price ratio provides a promising approach to implement strain and high-temperature simultaneous measurement.