3D-Printed Tilt Sensor Based on an Embedded Two-Mode Fiber Interferometer

A 3D-printed tilt fiber sensor using a two-mode fiber interferometer (TMFI) as the sensing mechanism has been demonstrated. The TMFI was constructed by splicing single-mode fibers (SMF-28s) at both ends of a two-mode fiber (TMF) to generate a comb-like interference spectrum that is sensitive to bending. A 3D-printed cantilever with a weight attached to one end was used to induce bending as the structure was tilted and by embedding the TMFI onto the 3D printed cantilever, different tilt angles can be measured, as a result of the bending of the fiber. The TMFI exhibited a linear response towards the tilt angles, theta, with a responsivity of 1 x 10(-2) nm/deg at negative theta (0 to -90 degrees) and 5 x 10(-3) nm/deg at positive theta (0 to 90 degrees), respectively. The sensor was able to detect small angle changes in increments as small as 1 degrees and it performs better than embedded FBG sensors. The tilt sensor proposed has a small form factor and simple design, as well as being cost-effective and light-weight, thus showing significant potential for a variety of civil engineering applications.

Automated summary

The study demonstrated a 3D-printed tilt fiber sensor using a two-mode fiber interferometer for measuring different tilt angles with linear response. The sensor has a small form factor, simple design, cost-effectiveness, and lightweight, showing significant potential for various civil engineering applications.