Temperature-dependent reflectometric polymer optical fiber sensor based on a thermally fused PMMA interface

Md., Al Amin and Mohd Yusof, Muhammad Khudhori and Mohd Farid, Sabrina and Azahan, Siti Nurul Fatihah and Bahari, Iskandar and Zulkifli, Mohd Zamani (2026) Temperature-dependent reflectometric polymer optical fiber sensor based on a thermally fused PMMA interface. IEEE Sensors Journal, 26 (18). pp. 27275-27284. ISSN 1530-437X E-ISSN 1558-1748

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Abstract

A temperature-dependent reflectometric sensor based on a thermally fused polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) polymer optical fiber is experimentally demonstrated. A localized fused region was formed by controlled thermal processing at 350 °C, producing an intrinsic reflective discontinuity within the fiber without incorporating gratings, interferometric cavities, or external coatings. The device was characterized over the temperature range of 30–80 °C. The fused region exhibited a linear and monotonic spectral response under both coherent laser and broadband illumination. Maximum sensitivities of 0.0626 %/°C (laser interrogation) and 0.0581 %/°C (broadband excitation) were obtained, with regression coefficients up to 0.99, confirming stable and predictable thermo-optical behavior. The temperature-dependent bandgap variation, on the order of 10⁻⁴ eV/°C, further confirmed consistency between intensity modulation and intrinsic material response. The correlated evolution of reflection and bandgap energy establishes a direct link between microstructural modification and sensing response. The results indicate that a thermally fused PMMA interface can function as a stable, broadband reflectometric temperature sensor with simple fabrication and intrinsic structural robustness, offering an alternative to wavelength-selective polymer fiber sensing configurations.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Bandgap analysis, polymer optical fiber (POF) sensor, temperature sensor, thermally fused interface
Subjects:	Q Science > QC Physics T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering > TK7800 Electronics. Computer engineering. Computer hardware. Photoelectronic devices
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Science Kulliyyah of Science > Department of Physics
Depositing User:	Dr M Z Zulkifli
Date Deposited:	30 Sep 2026 11:16
Last Update:	30 Sep 2026 11:16
Queue Number:	2026-09-Q5359
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/130817
Indexed In:	SCOPUS

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