Investigation of optical spot formation on photomatrix surfaces via continuous optical fiber radiation

Abstract

The formation of optical spots on photomatrix surfaces under continuous radiation is a critical factor influencing the performance and reliability of photonic and fiber-optic sensing systems. Despite advancements in fiber-optic technologies, there remains a need for precise methods to analyze spot formation and its impact on sensor accuracy. This study addresses this gap by investigating the characteristics and formation mechanisms of optical spots generated at the output of a single-mode optical fiber under continuous radiation. An intelligent hardware and software system was employed to perform opto-digital analysis of optical spot parameters projected onto a high-resolution photomatrix. The experimental setup involved continuous optical radiation transmitted through a single-mode fiber, with mechanical perturbations inducing micro-deformations that altered the refractive index and modified the spot intensity distribution. Analysis focused on three regions: the fiber core, the core cladding boundary, and the cladding. Results indicate that the cladding region, exhibiting a low-intensity Gaussian distribution, provides the most informative data for monitoring optical losses. Transformation of optical spot images into negative representations enhanced detection sensitivity. These findings demonstrate that selective analysis of specific regions improves the accuracy and robustness of fiber-optic monitoring systems, supporting the development of intelligent sensors for structural health monitoring and other precision photonic applications.

Keywords: Fiber-optic sensors; intelligent systems; optical spot analysis; photonic monitoring; structural health.