Real-time measurement of multipoint hetero-core fiber optic binary sensors based on optical pulse loss change

Hetero-core fiber optic sensors can transmit sensing and communication signals on a single fiber optic transmission line and have numerous advantages for environmental information monitoring such as home security. Moreover, these sensors are cost effective due to their temperature independence and light-intensity-based measurements. We have previously developed a hetero-core fiber optic binary sensor that can be connected in series to detect the number of doors and windows that are opened or closed. In this paper, we propose an improved method for using hetero-core fiber optic binary sensors that are connected in series, which are referred to as binary switches. A unique pulse loss change enables the states of the connected switches to be identified. As a result, the total optical loss in the transmission line is reduced. Therefore, the number of binary switches connected in series can be increased on a single transmission line. The unique pulse loss peaks can be controlled by the action of a flat spring and by adjusting the position of the flat spring inside the binary switch module. Typical pulse peaks of each binary switch are from 0.13 to 0.75 dB in the positive direction and from −0.47 to −0.03 dB in the negative direction, while the typical insertion loss is from 2.23 to 2.61 dB, depending on the position of the hetero-core segment within the binary switch module. The connection of two binary switches in series is successfully demonstrated for monitoring the optical loss change on a single transmission line. The results of the present study show that the number of binary switches connected in series can be increased significantly on a single transmission line.