Abstract

Biconically tapered single-mode fibers have been used for a number of applications that involve sensors. These applications have been based on the sensitivity of the optical throughput of the stretched fiber to any change in the stretched (tapered) region. Most of the applications arise from having the stretched region surrounded by a material whose characteristics can be altered by an external disturbance. Recently, the authors have shown that the optical throughput of the stretched region (the waist) is extremely sensitive to bending.^1,2

© 1992 Optical Society of America