DAS Transducer for Enhanced Acoustic Sensitivity

This letter presents the development and evaluation of a diaphragm-based quasi-distributed optical fiber acoustic transducer. Traditional microphones face limitations in precise source localization, long-range monitoring, and performance in challenging environments. The proposed sensor overcomes these limitations by utilizing distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). The sensor design involves concentric positioning of optical fiber windings on the diaphragm, enabling the transduction of acoustic pressure into optical signals. Coherent heterodyne detection measures the resulting phase changes in the backscattered signal, providing accurate and precise acoustic detection. Experimental evaluations demonstrate the sensor's performance, showcasing its quasi-distributed nature, signal amplification with 28.8 dB, linear response to applied power, and response characteristics across a wide frequency range. This research contributes to advancing acoustic sensing technologies, offering improved source localization, long-range monitoring, and reliability in challenging environments. The promising results obtained open avenues for further developments and applications in diverse fields.