Broadband Michelson fiber-optic accelerometer

A broadband (5-500 Hz) all-fiber-optic accelerometer was developed on the b asis of Michelson interferometry, which is realized by a 3-dB single-mode f iber-optic beam splitter. On the distal endface of both interferometric arm s of the splitter high-reflectance aluminum films were directly deposited t o act as reflecting mirrors. The performance of a prototype of the accelero meter is examined. The results reveal that external stimuli can be truly se nsed by the accelerometer, and the constraint level on lateral movement of the acceleration-sensitive mass is an important factor in determining the u seful frequency bandwidth. The experimental results are compared with theor etical predictions. (C) 1999 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: 060.237 0, 060.2430, 060.2630, 120.2920, 230.1360.