We demonstrate refractive index sensors based on single mode tapered fiber and its application as a biosensor. We utilize this tapered fiber optic biosensor, operating at 1550 nm, for the detection of protein (gelatin) concentration in water. The sensor is based on the spectroscopy of mode coupling based on core modes-fiber cladding modes excited by the fundamental core mode of an optical fiber when it transitions into tapered regions from untapered regions. The changes are determined from the wavelength shift of the transmission spectrum. The proposed fiber sensor has sensitivity of refractive index around 1500 nm/RIU and for protein concentration detection, its highest sensitivity is 2.42141 nm/%W/V.

In this paper, we present the development and testing of an optical-based sensor for monitoring the corrosion of reinforcement rebar. The testing was carried out using an 80% etched-cladding Fibre Bragg grating sensor to monitor the production of corrosion waste in a localized region of the rebar. Progression of corrosion can be sensed by observing the reflected wavelength shift of the FBG sensor. With the presence of corrosion, the etched-FBG reflected spectrum was shifted by 1.0 nm. In addition, with an increase in fringe pattern and continuously, step-like drop in power of the Bragg reflected spectrum was also displayed.

An all-fiber comb filter using a tapered-erbium-doped fiber in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer structure is presented. The free spectral range, extinction ratio, bandwidth, and interference pattern of the comb filter can be shaped by controlling the taper waist length and the length of up and down taper transition regions. By varying the taper waist length from 5 to 25 mm, the free spectral range changes from 14.7 to 1.0 nm, and the linewidth varies from 3.3 to 0.3 nm, respectively. We demonstrate a tunable dual-wavelength laser by using the tapered-erbium-doped fiber as a gain medium as well as a wavelength-selective element. The laser can be tuned at a resolution of 0.2 nm with a side-mode suppression ratio of up to 46.88 dB and a linewidth of 0.09 nm.

We demonstrate an ammonia sensor composed of a tapered multimode fiber coated with polyaniline nanofibers that operates at room temperature (26°C). The optical properties of the polyaniline layer changes when it is exposed to ammonia, leading to a change in the absorption of evanescent field. The fiber sensor was tested by exposing it to ammonia at different concentrations and the absorbance is measured using a spectrophotometer system. Measured response and recovery times are about 2.27 minutes and 9.73 minutes, respectively. The sensor sensitivity can be controlled by adjusting the tapered fiber diameter and the highest sensitivity is achieved when the diameter is reduced to 20 µm.