Fiber Optic Sensors: Advantages and Disadvantages

This page covers the advantages and disadvantages of fiber optic sensors. It lists the benefits and drawbacks of using this technology.

What is a Fiber Optic Sensor?

Introduction:

A sensor is a device that measures a physical quantity and converts it into a signal that can be measured by an instrument or read by a user.

A fiber optic sensor measures physical quantities based on how they modulate the intensity, spectrum, phase, or polarization of light traveling through the optical fiber system.

An optical sensor converts light rays into electronic signals, similar to a photoresistor which changes resistance based on the amount of light it receives.

Figure-1: Basic elements of a fiber optic sensor system

As shown in Figure-1, a fiber optic sensor system consists of a light source, optical fiber, a sensing element or transducer, and a detector.

Benefits or Advantages of Fiber Optic Sensors

Following are the benefits of using Fiber Optic Sensors:

• Immunity to EMI/RFI: Fiber optic sensors are not disturbed by Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI).

• Suitable for Harsh Environments: They are safe and suitable for use in extreme vibration and harsh environments.

• High Temperature Tolerance: They are tolerant of high temperatures (i.e., >1450 °C) and corrosive environments.

• High Sensitivity: They offer high sensitivity, allowing for the measurement of very small changes.

• Lightweight and Compact: Fiber optic sensors are light in weight and compact in size.

• Wide Dynamic Range and Large Bandwidth: They offer a wide dynamic range and large bandwidth.

• Multiplexing and Remote Sensing: They offer multiplexing and remote sensing capabilities.

• Multifunctional Sensing: They can be used in multifunctional sensing applications for mechanical, electrical, magnetic, chemical & biological measurements.

• Versatile Measurement Capabilities: They can measure nearly all physical measurands, e.g., temperature, pressure, flow, liquid level, displacement, vibration, rotation, magnetic fields, electric fields, acceleration, force, radiation, pH, humidity, strain, velocity, etc.

Drawbacks or Disadvantages of Fiber Optic Sensors

Following are the drawbacks of using Fiber Optic Sensors:

• High Cost: They are very expensive.

• Complex Detection Systems: Detection systems can be complex.

• Requires Training: Users may be unfamiliar with the technology, requiring basic training before use.

• Precise Installation Required: They require precise installation methods or procedures.

• Complex Development: It can be complex to develop usable measurement systems using fiber optic sensors.