Novel torsion sensor using a polarization maintaining photonic crystal fiber loop mirror

A novel torsion sensor employing a short length of polarization maintaining photonic crystal fiber was inserted into the fiber loop mirror with an output probe. The sensing scheme was described theoretically by a Jones matrix and experimentally demonstrated. The results showed that the sensitivity of the intensity loss in response to the twist angle may be up to 0.0394 dB/° and a resolution of 0.025° was achieved. This torsion sensor is attractive due to its compact size, insensitivity to temperature, and suitability for longer distance transmission than conventional sensors.