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A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Physical Sensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2019) | Viewed by 55745

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Prof. Dr. Caterina Ciminelli

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Optoelectronics Laboratory, Electrical and Information Engineering Department, Polytechnic University of Bari, Via Re David, 200, 70125 Bari, Italy
Interests: optoelectronic devices; photonic devices; optical devices; microelectronics; nanoelectronics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The photonic sensing research field has undergone a significant evolution over the years, from traditional bulk technologies to integrated photonics and sensing systems with advanced performance, enhanced functionalities, increased reliability and reduced costs.

The aim of this Special Issue is to discuss various types of integrated photonic sensors, based on different configurations and materials, through solicited contributions that can cover different aspects in terms of design, manufacturing, experimental testing, application of new photonic devices, structures, functional materials, measurement methods and signal processing.

Applications may cover many areas, ranging from new concepts still experienced in laboratories to sensing systems to be made available on the market, even in highly differentiated sectors, such as biosensing, pharmaceutical sensing, environmental sensing, gas sensing, automotive, security, defense, space, and so on.

Both review articles and original research papers relating to photonic sensors are welcome.

Prof. Caterina Ciminelli
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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Keywords

Photonics
Optoelectronic and photonic sensors
Integrated waveguide sensors
Wispering gallery mode resonators
Mach–zehnder interferometers
Surface plasmon resonance sensor
Photonic crystals sensors
Optical fiber sensors

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

8 pages, 2887 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel S-Bend Resonator Based on a Multi-Mode Waveguide with Mode Discrimination for a Refractive Index Sensor

by Do-Hyun Kim, Su-Jin Jeon, Jae-Sang Lee, Seok-Ho Hong and Young-Wan Choi

Sensors 2019, 19(16), 3600; https://doi.org/10.3390/s19163600 - 19 Aug 2019

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3824

Abstract

In this paper, a multi-mode waveguide-based optical resonator is proposed for an integrated optical refractive index sensor. Conventional optical resonators have been studied for single-mode waveguide-based resonators to enhance the performance, but mass production is limited owing to the high fabrication costs of nano-scale structures. To overcome this problem, we designed an S-bend resonator based on a micro-scale multi-mode waveguide. In general, multi-mode waveguides cannot be utilized as optical resonators, because of a performance degradation resulting from modal dispersion and an output transmission with multi-peaks. Therefore, we exploited the mode discrimination phenomenon using the bending loss, and the resulting S-bend resonator yielded an output transmission without multi-peaks. This phenomenon is utilized to remove higher-order modes efficiently using the difference in the effective refractive index between the higher-order and fundamental modes. As a result, the resonator achieved a Q-factor and sensitivity of 2.3

\times

10³ and 52 nm/RIU, respectively, using the variational finite-difference time-domain method. These results show that the multi-mode waveguide-based S-bend resonator with a wide line width can be utilized as a refractive index sensor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optoelectronic and Photonic Sensors)

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9 pages, 8077 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Micrometer Scale Resolution Limit of a Fiber-Coupled Electro-Optic Probe

by Young-Pyo Hong, Kyung-Min Lee, Sung-Yeol Kim, Meehyun Lim, Taekjin Kim, Hyung-Jung Yong and Dong-Joon Lee

Sensors 2019, 19(13), 2874; https://doi.org/10.3390/s19132874 - 28 Jun 2019

Viewed by 2647

Abstract

We present the practical resolution limit of a fine electrical structure based on a fiber-coupled electro-optic probing system. The spatial resolution limit was experimentally evaluated on the sub-millimeter to micrometer scale of planar electrical transmission lines. The electrical lines were fabricated to have various potential differences depending on the dimensions and geometry. The electric field between the lines was measured through an electro-optic probe, which was miniaturized up to the optical bare fiber scale so as to investigate the spatial limit of electrical signals with minimal invasiveness. The experimental results show that the technical resolution limitation of a fiber-coupled probe can reasonably approach a fraction of the mode field diameter (~10 μm) of the fiber in use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optoelectronic and Photonic Sensors)

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9 pages, 1719 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Encoded-Enhancement of THz Metasurface Figure of Merit for Label-Free Sensing

by Gian Paolo Papari, Can Koral and Antonello Andreone

Sensors 2019, 19(11), 2544; https://doi.org/10.3390/s19112544 - 04 Jun 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3461

Abstract

We describe an experimental strategy for the use of Terahertz (THz) metasurfaces as a platform for label-free wide range detection of the dielectric function in biological fluids. Specifically, we propose a metagrid (MG), opportunely infiltrated with a fluid and then capped, as the reference structure for sensing experiments with a high reproducibility character. By combining experiments and full-wave simulations of the transmission T of such a structure, we introduce a reliable set up where the volume of the involved analyte in each unit cell is precisely determined. The unavoidable decrease in the quality factor of the intrinsic resonances due to the lossy fluid and cap layer is circumvented using an appropriate transformation of T that amplifies the change in the MG intrinsic resonances, improving in such a way the sensor sensitivity to values close to the experimental limits. The transformed signal features delta-like peaks enabling an easy readout of frequency positions at resonances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optoelectronic and Photonic Sensors)

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31 pages, 4734 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of an Optoelectronic Sensor for Detecting and Classifying Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) for Use in Real-Time Intelligent Traps

by Fabiano Sandrini Moraes, Dori Edson Nava, Tiago Scheunemann and Vagner Santos da Rosa

Sensors 2019, 19(5), 1254; https://doi.org/10.3390/s19051254 - 12 Mar 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6166

Abstract

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) cause losses to world fruit growing. For a fast and effective control of the pest, it is necessary to identify the species and their populations. Thus, we developed an infrared optoelectronic sensor using phototransistors to capture the signal of the partial occlusion of the infrared light caused by the beating of the fly wings. Laboratory experiments were conducted using the sensor to capture the wing beat signal of A. fraterculus and C. capitata. The captured signals were used to obtain the characteristics of the flies’ wing beats frequency and for a production of a dataset made available as one of the results of this work. For the passage detection, we developed the algorithm of detection of events of passage (PEDA) that uses the root mean square (RMS) value of a sliding window applied to the signal compared to a threshold value. We developed the algorithm of detection of events of passage (CAEC) that uses the techniques of autocorrelation and Fourier transform for the extraction of the characteristics of the wings’ beat signal. The results demonstrate that it is possible to use the sensor for the development of an intelligent trap with detection and classification in real time for A. fraterculus and C. capitata using the wing beat frequency obtained by the developed sensor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optoelectronic and Photonic Sensors)

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13 pages, 2211 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Multivariate Optical Computing Microelement and Miniature Sensor for Spectroscopic Chemical Sensing in Harsh Environments: Design, Fabrication, and Testing

by Christopher M. Jones, Bin Dai, Jimmy Price, Jian Li, Megan Pearl, Bill Soltmann and Michael L. Myrick

Sensors 2019, 19(3), 701; https://doi.org/10.3390/s19030701 - 08 Feb 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4251

Abstract

Multivariate optical computing (MOC) is a compressed sensing technique with the ability to provide accurate spectroscopic compositional analysis in a variety of different applications to multiple industries. Indeed, recent developments have demonstrated the successful deployment of MOC sensors in downhole/well-logging environments to interrogate the composition of hydrocarbon and other chemical constituents in oil and gas reservoirs. However, new challenges have necessitated sensors that operate at high temperatures and pressures (up to 230 °C and 138 MPa) as well as even smaller areas that require the miniaturization of their physical footprint. To this end, this paper details the design, fabrication, and testing of a novel miniature-sized MOC sensor suited for harsh environments. A micrometer-sized optical element provides the active spectroscopic analysis. The resulting MOC sensor is no larger than two standard AAA batteries yet is capable of operating in high temperature and pressure conditions while providing accurate spectroscopic compositional analysis comparable to a laboratory Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optoelectronic and Photonic Sensors)

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17 pages, 1849 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Model of a Light Extinction Sensor for Assessing Wear Particle Distribution in a Lubricated Oil System

by Kevin Krogsøe, Morten Henneberg and René Lynge Eriksen

Sensors 2018, 18(12), 4091; https://doi.org/10.3390/s18124091 - 22 Nov 2018

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4747

Abstract

Light extinction based optical wear particle counters (OPCs) have been widely used in the industry for oil condition monitoring for several years, and while experiments have tested the benefits and drawbacks of the measurement principle, limited research has been conducted regarding a theoretical approach to evaluate opportunities and limitations of the measurement scheme. In this paper, we present a method for theoretically modelling the output of an OPC based on the light extinction principle in the regime of geometrical optics, with a special focus on the influence of sensor optical design, particle concentration and measurement noise. Moreover, we show that, if only signal amplitude is considered, an algorithm for evaluating sensor output can cause an erroneous assessment of particle contamination level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optoelectronic and Photonic Sensors)

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10 pages, 2149 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Measuring Linewidth Enhancement Factor by Relaxation Oscillation Frequency in a Laser with Optical Feedback

by Yuxi Ruan, Bin Liu, Yanguang Yu, Jiangtao Xi, Qinghua Guo and Jun Tong

Sensors 2018, 18(11), 4004; https://doi.org/10.3390/s18114004 - 16 Nov 2018

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3164

Abstract

This paper presents a new method for measuring the linewidth enhancement factor (alpha factor) by the relaxation oscillation (RO) frequency of a laser with external optical feedback (EOF). A measurement formula for alpha is derived which shows the alpha can be determined by only using the RO frequencies and no need to know any other parameters related to the internal or external parameters associated to the laser. Unlike the existing EOF based alpha measurement methods which require an external target has a symmetric reciprocate movement. The proposed method only needs to move the target to be in a few different positions along the light beam. Furthermore, this method also suits for the case with alpha less than 1. Both simulation and experiment are performed to verify the proposed method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optoelectronic and Photonic Sensors)

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11 pages, 1612 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptive Single Photon Compressed Imaging Based on Constructing a Smart Threshold Matrix

by Wentao Shangguan, Qiurong Yan, Hui Wang, Chenglong Yuan, Bing Li and Yuhao Wang

Sensors 2018, 18(10), 3449; https://doi.org/10.3390/s18103449 - 14 Oct 2018

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3774

Abstract

We demonstrate a single-photon compressed imaging system based on single photon counting technology and compressed sensing theory. In order to cut down the measurement times and shorten the imaging time, a fast and efficient adaptive sampling method, suited for single-photon compressed imaging, is proposed. First, the pre-measured rough images are transformed into sparse bases as a priori information. Then a smart threshold matrix is designed by using large sparse coefficients of the rough image in sparse bases. The adaptive measurement matrix is obtained by modifying the original Gaussian random matrix with the specially designed threshold matrix. Building the adaptive measurement matrix requires only one level of sparse representation, which means that adaptive imaging can be achieved quickly with very little computation. The experimental results show that the reconstruction effect of the image measured using the adaptive measurement matrix is obviously superior than that of the Gaussian random matrix under different measurement times and different reconstruction algorithms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optoelectronic and Photonic Sensors)

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9 pages, 2087 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Measurement Method for Nonlinearity in Heterodyne Laser Interferometers Based on Double-Channel Quadrature Demodulation

by Haijin Fu, Ruidong Ji, Pengcheng Hu, Yue Wang, Guolong Wu and Jiubin Tan

Sensors 2018, 18(9), 2768; https://doi.org/10.3390/s18092768 - 22 Aug 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3560

Abstract

The phase quadrature measurement method is capable of measuring nonlinearity in heterodyne laser interferometers with picometer accuracy whereas it cannot be applied in the new kind of heterodyne interferometers with bidirectional Doppler frequency shift especially in the condition of non-uniform motion of the target. To solve this problem, a novel measurement method of nonlinearity is proposed in this paper. By employing double-channel quadrature demodulation and substituting the external reference signal with internal ones, this method is free from the type of heterodyne laser interferometer and the motion state of the target. For phase demodulation, the phase differential algorithm is utilized to improve the computing efficiency. Experimental verification is carried out and the results indicate that the proposed measurement method achieves accuracy better than 2 pm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optoelectronic and Photonic Sensors)

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20 pages, 2906 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Key Parameter Extraction for Fiber Brillouin Distributed Sensors Based on the Exact Model

by Zhiniu Xu and Lijuan Zhao

Sensors 2018, 18(8), 2419; https://doi.org/10.3390/s18082419 - 25 Jul 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3564

Abstract

Errors in the extracted key parameters directly influence the errors in the temperature and strain measured by fiber Brillouin distributed sensors. Existing key parameter extraction algorithms for Brillouin gain spectra are mainly based on simplified models, therefore, the extracted parameters may have significant errors. To ensure high accuracy in the extracted key parameters in different cases, and consequently to measure temperature and strain with high accuracy, a key parameter extraction algorithm based on the exact Voigt profile is proposed. The objective function is proposed using the least-squares method. The Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm is used to minimize the objective function and consequently extract the key parameters. The optimization process is presented in detail, at the same time the initial values obtainment method and the convergence criterion are given. The influences of the number of sample points in Gauss-Hermite quadrature on the accuracy and the computation time of the algorithm are investigated and a suggestion about the selection of the number of sample points is given. The direct algorithm, the random algorithm and the proposed algorithm are implemented in Matlab and are used to extract key parameters for abundant numerically generated and measured Brillouin gain spectral signals. The results reveal that the direct algorithm requires less computation time, but its errors are considerably larger than that of the proposed algorithm. The convergence rate of the random algorithm is about 80~90%. The proposed algorithm can converge in all cases. Even for the convergence cases, the computation time and the fitting error of the random algorithm are 1~2 times larger than those of the proposed algorithm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optoelectronic and Photonic Sensors)

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11 pages, 2097 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Strain Measurements of Core Positions for the Chinese Space Station

by Jingshi Shen, Xiaodong Zeng, Yuxiang Luo, Changqing Cao and Ting Wang

Sensors 2018, 18(6), 1834; https://doi.org/10.3390/s18061834 - 05 Jun 2018

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3957

Abstract

The Chinese space station is designed to carry out manned spaceflight, space science research, and so on. In serious applications, it is a common operation to inject gas into the hull, which can produce strain of the bulkhead. Accurate measurement of strain for the bulkhead is one of the key tasks in evaluating the health condition of the space station. This is the first work to perform strain detection for the Chinese space station bulkhead by using optical fiber Bragg grating. In the period of measurements, the resistance strain gauge is used as the strain standard. The measurement error of the fiber optical sensor in the circumferential direction is very small, being less than 4.52 με. However, the error in the axial direction is very large with the highest value of 28.93 με. Because the measurement error of bare fiber in the axial direction is very small, the transverse effect of the substrate of the fiber optical sensor likely plays a role. The comparison of the theoretical and experimental results of the transverse effect coefficients shows that they are fairly consistent, with values of 0.0271 and 0.0287, respectively. After the transverse effect is compensated, the strain deviation in the axial detection is smaller than 2.04 με. It is of great significance to carry out real-time health assessment for the bulkhead of the space station. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optoelectronic and Photonic Sensors)

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16 pages, 1433 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seeker-Azimuth Determination with Gyro Rotor and Optoelectronic Sensors

by Jian-Ming Bai, Guangshe Zhao, Hai-Jun Rong and Xianhua Wang

Sensors 2018, 18(4), 1256; https://doi.org/10.3390/s18041256 - 19 Apr 2018

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4880

Abstract

This paper presents an approach to seeker-azimuth determination using the gyro rotor and optoelectronic sensors. In the proposed method, the gyro rotor is designed with a set of black and white right spherical triangle patterns on its surface. Two pairs of optoelectronic sensors are located symmetrically around the gyro rotor. When there is an azimuth, the stripe width covering the black and white patterns changes. The optoelectronic sensors then capture the reflected optical signals from the different black and white pattern stripes on the gyro rotor and produce the duty ratio signal. The functional relationship between the measured duty ratio and the azimuth information is numerically derived, and, based on this relationship, the azimuth is determined from the measured duty ratio. Experimental results show that the proposed approach produces a large azimuth range and high measurement accuracy with the linearity error of less than 0.005. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optoelectronic and Photonic Sensors)

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12 pages, 2280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nonlinear Errors Resulting from Ghost Reflection and Its Coupling with Optical Mixing in Heterodyne Laser Interferometers

by Haijin Fu, Yue Wang, Pengcheng Hu, Jiubin Tan and Zhigang Fan

Sensors 2018, 18(3), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/s18030758 - 02 Mar 2018

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5820

Abstract

Even after the Heydemann correction, residual nonlinear errors, ranging from hundreds of picometers to several nanometers, are still found in heterodyne laser interferometers. This is a crucial factor impeding the realization of picometer level metrology, but its source and mechanism have barely been investigated. To study this problem, a novel nonlinear model based on optical mixing and coupling with ghost reflection is proposed and then verified by experiments. After intense investigation of this new model’s influence, results indicate that new additional high-order and negative-order nonlinear harmonics, arising from ghost reflection and its coupling with optical mixing, have only a negligible contribution to the overall nonlinear error. In real applications, any effect on the Lissajous trajectory might be invisible due to the small ghost reflectance. However, even a tiny ghost reflection can significantly worsen the effectiveness of the Heydemann correction, or even make this correction completely ineffective, i.e., compensation makes the error larger rather than smaller. Moreover, the residual nonlinear error after correction is dominated only by ghost reflectance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optoelectronic and Photonic Sensors)

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