Optical loading sensor based on single polarization fiber laser incorporating an intra-cavity 45°-TFG

We have experimentally demonstrated an active loading sensor system based on a fiber ring laser with single-polarization output using an intra-cavity 45 degrees-tilted fiber grating (45 degrees-TFG). When the laser cavity fiber subjected to loading, the laser output is encoded with the load and can be measured and monitored by a power metre. A loading sensitivity as high as 0.033/(kg.m(-1)) has been achieved using this laser. The experiment results clearly show that single polarization fiber laser may be developed to a low-cost high-sensitivity loading sensor system.