Journal of Physical Chemistry & Biophysics
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0398
+44 1478 350008
ISSN: 2161-0398
+44 1478 350008
Haftamu Gebremedhn Gebremeskel
Accepted Abstracts: J Phys Chem Biophys
Unlike the traditional electrical or mechanical force sensors, the fiber-optic sensors lack powering wires and electrical components at the sensing site, thus avoiding a possible source of fire hazards. In addition, these sensors are insensitive to the presence of severe electromagnetic interferences that will degrade the reliability of sensor data transmission over electrical wires. Due to the inexpensive cost of optical fiber, its electromagnetic-invariant and temperature-independent nature and ease of installation, the fiber-optic force sensors have potentials to replace the existing electrical force sensors in the near future. We design a sensor which is capable of giving an accurate reading of an applied force in a specified force range. We implemented this project first, by arranging a piece of fiber in a circular loop that flattens when it is compressed between its two vertex points. Measurements will be taken to observe if there exists a linear relationship between the compressed force and power losses in the fiber. Once this correspondence is confirmed, a specific fiber bending mechanism is designed to optimize the sensor?s performance. Next, the sensor should have an impact plate for the applied forces, and this plate should be capable to restore its default setting when the forces are removed repeatability. In this work, we designed Lab VIEW and BasicX-24 programs for purpose of data analysis and calibration of the portable scale. As a final result, the sensor is capable of measuring forces up to 1,600 grams with an accuracy of +/- 3.1 %. In addition, the sensor is insensitive to severe electromagnetic interferences and temperature changes, and can be operated remotely from the site of the sensors. The possible applications for such sensor include: railroad track monitoring and bridge buckling detection.
Haftamu Gebremedhn Gebremeskel has completed B.Sc. at the age of 22 years from Mekelle Institute of Technology in Electronics and Communication Engineering and joined to a Research and Development organization, The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Information Network Agency. Currently, he is a project manager and researcher of optics and laser technology department. He has developed some projects, such as fiber optic force sensor/scale and compact semiconductor laser microphone.