Polarimetric optical fiber sensor for ultrasonic power measurement

Abstract
A polarimetric fiber-optic sensor using a polarization-maintaining fiber is described. The principle of the sensor is based on the detection of ultrasonically induced birefringence in the fiber. Its response to continuous and pulsed ultrasound at different frequencies and different power levels is investigated. The beam profiles measured by this sensor are compared with those measured using a PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) hydrophone. The sensor output is observed to be a linear function of the square root of the total acoustic power measured using a radiation force balance. The application of this sensor to the characterization of medical ultrasonic transducers is also discussed.

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