Two-dimensional bending vector sensor based on Mach-Zehnder interferometer of two orthogonal lateral-offsets

ABSTRACT A simple, compact bending vector sensor based on Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) utilizing two orthogonal lateral‐offsets is proposed. The two‐dimensional bending vector sensing characteristics, including the curvature and four orthogonal directions, could be measured accurately and simultaneously by the MZI using a special data processing method. Besides, the impact of temperature on the MZI can be eliminated through constructing a matrix using the different response of two loss peak to the bending and temperature sensitivities. This research work would be helpful to develop the practicability of fiber bending vector sensors. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:709–713, 2015