Design, Simulation and Optimisation of a Fibre-optic 3D Accelerometer

Using an inertia pendulum comprised of two prisms, flexible beams and an elastic flake, we present a novel fibre-optic 3D accelerometer design. The total reverse reflection of the cube-corner prism and the spectroscopic property of an orthogonal holographic grating enable the measurement of the two transverse components of the 3D acceleration simultaneously, while the longitudinal component can be determined from the elastic deformation of the flake. Due to optical interferometry, this sensor may provide a wider range, higher sensitivity and better resolving power than other accelerometers. Moreover, we use finite element analysis to study the performance and to optimise the structural design of the sensor.

► New method of measuring 3D-acceleration.
► New structure of 3D-acceleration sensor.
► Combination of different optical fiber coupler.
► Performance Analysis and Optimization.