Invention:
This technology is an optomechanical sensor primarily designed for displacement and acceleration sensing. This sensor uses a novel AC measurement technique to reduce interference from low-frequency noise such as 1/f electronics noise. This technique involves modulating the length of a micro-optical cavity, which can be done with a relatively simple setup. High sensitivity and cost-effectiveness are achieved through the use of low-cost fiber optic, optical, mechanical, and optomechanical components. Reducing the effect of 1/f noise through this method allows for simple, low-cost, high sensitivity optomechanical sensing.
Background:
Interference by 1/f noise and other low-frequency noise is a major factor limiting the sensitivity of opto-mechanical sensing devices. The impacts of 1/f noise can be reduced by using AC measurement methods. Currently, such methods typically involve modulating the frequency of sensor lasers. These methods, while effective at reducing 1/f noise, require expensive additional equipment and complex changes to sensing setups. This technology introduces a novel method for reducing 1/f noise which modulates the length of a micro-optical cavity rather than modulating laser light. This method is highly effective in reducing noise while maintaining a low-cost, simple sensor design.
Applications:
- Sensing
- Metrology
- Accelerometry
- Interferometry
Advantages:
- Increased sensitivity
- Simple design
- Low cost
