Analysis of a novel stress-sensing technique based on light scattering by an array of birefringent optical waveguides

Abstract

We propose a new stress-sensing technique based upon measurement of light scattering produced by an array of birefringent waveguides. When external stress is applied to the array of waveguides, their optical properties are modified via the photoelastic effect. Specifically, the intensity of light scattered by the optical waveguides is significantly affected by stress. In this work we analyse theoretically this stress-induced change. Our numerical simulations show that this effect provides a means to assess the strength and direction of the external force.