Temperature-compensated refractometers based on intermode fiber-optic interferometers

Zavalishina L.D., Markvart A.A., Zaripov A.E., Liokumovich L.B., Ushakov N.A.

For Russian citation (Opticheskii Zhurnal):

Завалишина Л.Д., Маркварт А.А., Зарипов А.Э., Лиокумович Л.Б., Ушаков Н.А. Рефрактометры с температурной компенсацией на основе межмодовых волоконно-оптических интерферометров // Оптический журнал. 2026. Т. 93. № 5. С. 32–42. http://doi.org/10.17586/1023-5086-2026-93-05-32-42

Zavalishina L.D., Markvart A.A., Zaripov A.E., Liokumovich L.B., Ushakov N.A. Temperature-compensated refractometers based on intermode fiber-optic interferometers [in Russian] // Opticheskii Zhurnal. 2026. V. 93. № 5. P. 32–42. http://doi.org/10.17586/1023-5086-2026-93-05-32-42

For citation (Journal of Optical Technology):

Abstract:

Scope of research. Intermodal interferometers based on composite fiber-optic structures and their application as sensors for measuring the refractive index of the external environment. The aim of the work. Theoretically justify and experimentally implement the simultaneous measurement of the refractive index of the external medium and temperature using a single intermodal interferometer based on the composite fiber-optic structure (singlemode-multimode-singlemode-multimode-singlemode). Method. The calculation of the fiber-optic interferometers was based on modal analysis of the fiber structure and a matrix approach for calculating its transmission or reflection coefficient. The interference signal was processed using the discrete Fourier transform. Main results. The possibility of simultaneous measurement of the refractive index of the external medium and temperature using a single interferometer based on the composite fiber-optic structure has been demonstrated both theoretically and experimentally. This distinguishes the present work from similar studies, in which structures of other types were investigated experimentally. Methodological and random measurement errors have been analyzed. Due to the preliminary modeling of the structure, a discrepancy was identified between the actual modal composition in the real fiber structure and the expected one, caused by imperfections in the fabrication process. This indicates the need to develop more precise manufacturing methods for intermodal interferometers to ensure their reproducibility and predictability. Practical significance. The results of this work can be used to develop temperature-compensated fiber-optic refractometers based on intermodal fiber interferometers.

Keywords:

intermode fiber interferometer, refractive index, spectral interferometry, Fourier transform

Acknowledgements:

this work was supported by the Russian Science Foundation under Grant № 23-72-10095

OCIS codes: 060.2370, 120.3180

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