Pressure sensing using periodically tapered long-period gratings written in photonic crystal fibres

This paper reports on the first application of tapered long- period gratings ( TLPGs) written in photonic crystal fibres ( PCFs) using a cost- effective computer- assisted precision arc- discharge apparatus for conducting direct measurements of hydrostatic pressure up to 180 bar. The developed TLPG- PCF device displays significant potential as a highly sensitive and cost- effective pressure sensor, with a pressure sensitivity of 11.2 pm bar(-1). A negligible temperature sensitivity of about 0.3 pm degrees C-1 of the sensor output signal was observed within the temperature range from 5 degrees C to 65 degrees C.