Multicore photonic crystal fiber anemometers with large core spacing

A three-core photonic crystal fiber (PCF) bend sensor with fast response times (<;30μs) suitable for small-scale (<;10cm) spatial resolution is presented. The PCFs featured in this paper have varied periodicity, which includes the special case of a water-filled lattice. The novelty of this work is demonstrated by the use of image based sensing techniques to support intensity modulated PCF sensors. Bend information is recovered from the intensity profile using an image processing script and ImageJ™. The sensor response agreed with theoretical predictions. The featured PCF deflection sensor is capable of being the basis for a compact, rugged, and sensitive anemometer. This device may be useful in the detection of minimum displacements for wind speeds <;30m/s. The results of this investigation are relevant to urban sensing technologies that involve the monitoring of air composition, velocity, and temperature.