Multipoint fiber-optic laser-ultrasonic actuator based on fiber core-opened tapers
A novel fiber-optic, multipoint, laser–ultrasonic actuator based on fiber core-opened tapers (COTs) is proposed and demonstrated. The COTs were fabricated by splicing single-mode fibers using a standard fiber splicer. A COT can effectively couple part of a core mode into cladding modes, and the coupling ratio can be controlled by adjusting the taper length. Such characteristics are used to obtain a multipoint, laser–ultrasonic actuator with balanced signal strength by reasonably controlling the taper lengths of the COTs. As a prototype, we constructed an actuator that generated ultrasound at four points with a balanced ultrasonic strength by connecting four COTs with coupling ratios of 24.5%, 33.01%, 49.51%, and 87.8% in a fiber link. This simple-to-fabricate, multipoint, laser–ultrasonic actuator with balanced ultrasound signal strength has potential applications in fiber-optic ultrasound testing technology.
Herein, a novel multipoint all-fiber optic laser–ultrasound actuator with balanced signals at each excitation point based on COTs was proposed and demonstrated. Through simulations, the light field distribution in the COT was investigated, indicating that light can be effectively and quantitatively tapped from the fiber sidewall, thus proving the feasibility of multipoint ultrasound excitation with balanced signal strength. A four-point ultrasonic actuator with stable and balanced ultrasonic signal amplitude was experimentally demonstrated. Common materials and simple fabrication make it a potential candidate for use in all-fiber ultrasound testing technology.
HONSUN is specialized in fiber optic plate, fiber optic inverter and fiber optic taper.