Interferometric Fiber-Optic Accelerometer Based on a Hexagonal Beam

An interferometric fiber-optic accelerometer with a metal hexagonal beam as a transducer was proposed and researched. The functioning of the transducer is based on the Poisson effect but overcomes the thermal sensitivity of the common compliant mandrel. The sensitivity of the accelerometer can be flexibly adjusted by altering the thickness and tilt angle of the transducer’s beam. The sensitivity expression of the proposed accelerometer has been theoretically derived and experimentally verified. The approach proposed to enhance the lateral anti-interference capability and broaden the working bandwidth by reducing the sensor’s moment of inertia has been demonstrated to be feasible. Furthermore, the relationship between the number of fiber turns and the accelerometer sensitivity was analyzed, which provided a basis for determining the interferometer cavity length of the accelerometer. Hence, the research presented in this article provides a guidance for designing interferometer fiber-optic accelerometers.