In recent years, optical fiber sensors based on multimode interference (MMI) have attracted increasing interest and developed into various sensors used in many practical applications. This review presents MMI-based fiber sensors with a specific focus on the probe structures, measurement methods, and sensing properties of different structures. The fundamentals of MMI-based fiber sensors are briefly described. Further, five main categories of SMS structure-based fiber sensors are reviewed, including conventional SMS fiber sensors, MMI-based sensors with no-core fiber (NCF), MMI-based sensors with etched/polished fiber, MMI-based sensors with tapered fiber, and cascades of MMI-based fiber sensors. Besides, their probe structures, sensing properties, practical fields, and measurement sensitivities are summarized. Finally, the current challenges and technique outlook of the MMI-based fiber sensors are pointed out, which gives the potential solutions for the existing problems and future development. This work indicates that the MMI-based fiber sensors bring the possibilities of applying multi-mode fiber (MMF) in different measurement fields with high sensitivities, easy fabrication, and low cost. With the appearance and development of new SMS fiber sensors, it will contribute significant value to scientific research and industrial applications.

Absolute distance measurement is a field of research with a large variety of applications. Laser triangulation is a well-tested and developed technique using geometric relations to calculate the absolute distance to an object. The advantages of laser triangulation include its simple and cost-effective setup with yet a high achievable accuracy and resolution in short distances. A main problem of the technology is that even small changes of the optomechanical setup, e.g., due to thermal expansion, lead to significant measurement errors. Therefore, in this work, we introduce an optical setup containing only a beam splitter and a mirror, which splits the laser into a measurement beam and a reference beam. The reference beam can then be used to compensate for different error sources, such as laser beam dithering or shifts of the measurement setup due to the thermal expansion of the components. The effectiveness of this setup is proven by extensive simulations and measurements. The compensation setup improves the deviation in static measurements by up to 75%, whereas the measurement uncertainty at a distance of 1 m can be reduced to 85 μm. Consequently, this compensation setup can improve the accuracy of classical laser triangulation devices and make them more robust against changes in environmental conditions.

A variety of specialty fibers such as no-core fiber (NCF) have already been studied to reveal their sensing abilities. In this work, we investigate a specialty fiber, square-core fiber, for temperature and strain sensing. A simple single-mode–multimode–single-mode (SMS) fiber sensor was fabricated, consisting of a 30-cm-long square-core fiber. The experimental results indicate that the maximal wavelength-temperature and wavelength-strain sensitivities are −15.3 pm/${}^{\circ }$C and −1.5 pm/$\mathsf{\mu }\epsilon$, respectively, while the maximal power-temperature and power-strain sensitivities are 0.0896 dBm/${}^{\circ }$C and 0.0756 dBm/$\mathsf{\mu }\epsilon$. Analysis of the results suggests that the fiber sensor has the potential to be used as a high-sensitivity temperature sensor with a low strain sensitivity.

For applications where only moderate spectral resolution is required, static Fourier transform infrared spectrometers (sFTS) offer a comparatively cost-effective alternative to classical scanning instruments. In this paper, we present an sFTS based on a single-mirror interferometer using only standard optical components and an uncooled microbolometer array. Because the instrument features concave mirrors rather than lenses, dispersion effects can be minimized. This enables broadband operation in the mid-infrared range from $2800{\mathrm{cm}}^{-1}$ to $600{\mathrm{cm}}^{-1}$ at a spectral resolution of $12{\mathrm{cm}}^{-1}$. In addition, the design guarantees comparatively high light throughput and can potentially be designed for increased temperature stability. Alongside a simulation of the temperature- and wavenumber-dependent behavior of the system, we provide a proof of principle of the proposed design by means of experimental results.

In this paper, we present a static imaging Fourier transform spectrometer (sIFTS) for the mid-infrared spectral range. The system employs imaging optics, a single-mirror interferometer, and an uncooled broadband microbolometer array. As the hyperspectral data cube is acquired using a windowing method, a comparatively high light throughput in a spectral range from 2600 cm⁻¹ to 800 cm⁻¹, respectively 3.8 µm to 13 µm is achieved. The spectral resolution is 12 cm⁻¹, and the spatial resolution amounts to 16 lp/mm, corresponding to a resolution of 62.5 µm at a design wavelength of 10.6 µm. As the employed spectrometer, in contrast to scanning Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, contains no moving parts, the measurement rate is mainly limited by the detector read-out and is currently 25 Hz. After an evaluation of the spatial resolution by both simulations and experimental results, the spatially resolved transmission spectra of a sample containing different polymer films are recorded and compared to a laboratory FTIR spectrometer. Thereby, the acquired spectra show good agreement. As the system combines both a spectrometer with low internal light loss and a windowing technique allowing high etendue, the presented hyperspectral imager shows significant potential especially for the mid-infrared.

Due to their high light throughput, static single-mirror Fourier transform spectrometers (sSMFTS) are well suited for spectral analysis in the mid-infrared range, and at the same time feature a more robust and compact design than conventional scanning instruments. One major drawback, however, is the comparably low spectral resolution, which is mainly limited by the number of detector pixels. Therefore, in this article, we propose a cost-effective design that almost doubles the spectral resolution of an sSMFTS by integrating a stepped mirror in one of the interferometer arms. The calibration process is described and a proof of principle is given by measuring a CO2 laser. The design works in a spectral range from about 2800 cm⁻¹ to 600 cm⁻¹ at a spectral resolution of 7 cm⁻¹ and offers the potential to improve resolution even further.