Sensitivity enhancement of an all-solid FPE sensor via a programmable Vernier effect

All-solid, open-cavity fiber optic Fabry–Perot etalon (FPE) sensors possess a wide static pressure detection range, yet their low sensitivity significantly restricts their application. This study proposes a programmable Vernier effect to improve the gas pressure sensitivity of FPE sensors substantially. By effectively modulating the emission spectrum of a widely tunable laser using a variable optical attenuator (VOA), the emission spectrum at different modulation lengths is expected to produce an optical beating in conjunction with the transmission spectrum of the FPE sensor, thereby realizing the Vernier effect. Experimental results indicate that by utilizing the proposed programmable Vernier effect, the pressure sensitivity of the FPE sensor has increased to −612.21 pm/kPa, demonstrating an amplification in sensitivity of approximately −153 times, consistent with the theoretical results. Owing to the programmable Vernier effect, which flexibly enhances the sensitivity of the FPE sensor, this sensor demonstrates considerable potential for gas pressure monitoring under various extreme conditions.