High-sensitivity Mach-Zehnder interferometer for temperature and strain measurements based on an embedded microcavity

A novel all-fiber Mach-Zehnder modal interferometer (MZMI) for temperature and strain measurements is demonstrated. The interference between the core and the cladding modes in the single mode fiber (SMF) is utilized. To excite the cladding modes, a microcavity is embedded in the SMF. After propagating a distance in the cladding, the cladding modes will couple back to the core mode at the other point fabricated by core-offset splicing. The MZMI exhibits a high temperature sensitivity (<0.1nm/ °C) in the range of 200-600 (°C). The strain response of the MZMI is also investigated. This compact, simple and cost-effective MZMI owns potential applications in temperature and strain measurements.