Sensing Applications of Polymer Optical Fiber Fuse

Abstract

This article presents a review of the fuse effect in polymer optical fibers (POFs) and its sensing applications. First, the propagation mechanisms and the characteristics of the POF fuse are discussed, showing that its optical threshold power and propagation velocity are much lower than those of silica fiber fuse. In addition, it is shown that the main unique advantages of the POF fuse are its capability of transmitting optical signal as well as the electrical conductivity of the carbonized oscillatory path created in the fiber core. The physical properties of the fused POF are also described, such as its higher elasticity and stability to external effects. Subsequently, some applications of fused POFs are reviewed, such as temperature, strain, force, and angle sensors with higher sensitivity and stabler operation than those of nonfused POF‐based sensors. Finally, future perspectives on fused POF‐based sensing are discussed, where the magnetic field sensitivity plays an important role in implementing the optical devices. Thus, the unique features of fused POFs can provide a new paradigm for the fuse effect in optical fibers, in which the effect can be intentionally ignited for fabrication of novel in‐fiber devices and sensors with extended capabilities.

Keywords

• high-power light
• material characterization
• optical fiber fuse
• optical fiber sensors
• polymer optical fibers