Miniaturization and evaluation of fiber optic probes for low-coherence interferometry

Robert Schmitt; Niels König; Frank Depiereux

doi:10.1117/12.780535

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25 April 2008 Miniaturization and evaluation of fiber optic probes for low-coherence interferometry

Robert Schmitt, Niels König, Frank Depiereux

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Proceedings Volume 7003, Optical Sensors 2008; 700304 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.780535
Event: SPIE Photonics Europe, 2008, Strasbourg, France

Abstract

Low-coherence interferometry (LCI) is an established metrological technique, that has proven its capability to measure both fast and highly accurate. To provide these advantages for the measurement inside small spaces like bore holes or micro-tubes, the design of a miniaturized probe tip is necessary. The use of fiber optics fulfills the requirements for the realization of flexible and small probes, which are at the same time suitable for lowcoherence interferometry. In this work the development of miniaturized probes in all-fiber design for the use in a LCI system is described, which consists of a modified Michelson interferometer with non-moving optical elements. Beam shaping is achieved by the use of graded-index fibers. Thus sensor tip diameters can be reduced down to 125μm for bare fiber design. Furthermore, validation measurements for the combination of probe head and LCI system are presented, that prove the potential and limitations of all-fiber probes for LCI. Conclusively an outlook for potential fields of application is given.

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Robert Schmitt, Niels König, and Frank Depiereux "Miniaturization and evaluation of fiber optic probes for low-coherence interferometry", Proc. SPIE 7003, Optical Sensors 2008, 700304 (25 April 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.780535

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