High resolution temperature sensor based on frequency beating between twin DFB fiber lasers

We present a high resolution temperature sensor using the beat frequency between the longitudinal modes of twin single-mode distributed feedback fiber lasers. The lasers are made by femtosecond inscription of π-shifted fiber Bragg gratings in a thulium-doped fiber. Combining the light from two single frequency fiber lasers on a photodetector produces a rf beat frequency signal which is dependent on temperature. Experimental results show a sensitivity of 1900 MHz/°C, leading to a precision of 0.0007 °C.