ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of sensors based on polymer optical fibers (POF) and aims to provide the common sensor types according to their fiber type and sensing effect. It aims to distinguish between microstructured and solid POF sensors, and presents several applications for microstructured POFs, their advantages, and application scenarios. Optical sensors may be classified in different ways: intrinsic or extrinsic sensors; multimode or single-mode sensors; and parameters influenced. POF sensors offer cost-effective alternatives to otherwise ultra-precise, but expensive, glass optical sensors. Polymers have some advantageous mechanical properties that make microstructured POFs better for mechanical sensing in some situations. The fact that microstructured POFs have cladding holes, and may even have a hollow core, opens up significant new opportunities for fluid sensing. The chapter provides an overview of the principles of solid POF sensors and exemplary applications. The first applications of mass-produced POF sensors will be in automotive and industrial areas such as impact sensors or seat occupancy sensors.
