Refractive index sensor based on fiber loop ring-down spectroscopy

An optical fiber refractive index sensor based on fiber loop ring-down spectroscopy and a tapered fiber was fabricated using an ordinary single mode fiber with an arc fusion splicer. The performance of the sensor was controlled by the parameters of the tapered fiber. A fiber loop ring-down spectroscopy system was employed to enhance the sensitivity and demodulate the transmission spectrum. The results showed that a sensor with a waist diameter of 14 m and a length of 1.2 mm had good optical performance. By monitoring the ring-down time of the system, relatively high sensitivity of 411.576 s/ RIU was achieved with refractive index values from 1.333 to 1.412. This sensor offers few interferences, high sensitivity, easy fabrication, and low cost.