Abstract
The theoretical analysis and optimization of extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer (EFPI) optical- fiber humidity sensors are deeply investigated. For a typical dual-cavity structure composed of an optical fiber and a humidity-sensitive membrane (HSM), the changes in refractive index (RI) and initial length are discussed for polymer materials and porous oxide materials when relative humidity (RH) increases. The typical interference spectrum is simulated at different RH using MATLAB. The spectral change caused by changing HSM RI and initial length are simulated simutineously, showing different influences on humidity response. To deeply investigate the influence on RH sensitivity, the typical response sensitivity curves for different HSM lengths and air-cavity lengths are simulated. The results show that the HSM is the vital factor. Short HSM length can improve the sensitivity, but for HSM RI and length the influences on sensitivity are opposite, because of the opposite spectral-shift trend. Deep discussion and an optimization method are provided to solve this problem. According to analysis, an opaque HSM is helpful to improve sensitivity. Furthermore, if using an opaque HSM, a short air cavity and long HSM length can improve the sensor’s sensitivity These results provide deep understanding and some ideas for designing and optimizing highly sensitive EFPI fiber humidity sensors.
© 2021 Optical Society of Korea
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