Current trends in fiber optic sensor technology

Current trends of fiber optic sensor technology are in a direction of a broadening scope of sensor innovation based on a few basic concepts. Both single-mode and multimode fibers have their proponents: single mode for primarily interferometric sensors and multimode for primarily amplitude-modulated sensors. This paper illustrates four unique and innovative multimode sensor designs and also discusses the basic inhibition to more rapid utilization of optical fiber sensors. A case is made for more effort in standardization of optical fiber sensor interface design and integration requirements. To benefit the optical fiber sensor R & D and small business community, attention to system level requirements is necessary to encourage greater utilization and achieve greater exploitation of the benefits offered by optical fiber sensors.