Sensor Based on Producing Long Thin Holes in Optical Fibers

This innovation consists of a novel optical fiber for use as a pressure sensing device. The optical fiber described includes a random, non-uniform array of holes along the length of the fiber created by a gas during the fiber drawing process. Sensitivity to applied load or pressure change is improved since the optical fiber experiences a large wavelength dependant increase in optical loss when pressure or force is applied. The optical fiber remains completely insensitive to changes in temperature or axial strain along the fiber.