Dynamics rate of fiber chemical etching: New partial removal of cladding technique for humidity sensing application

Sensor-based optical fibers require thinner cladding for enhanced interaction between the evanescence wave and the environment. Fiber Bragg grated fiber sensors relying on an axial strain require chemical etching to weaken the fiber allowing more sensitivity in terms of strain. Ease of sensor multiplexing can be achieved through etching the mid-section of the fiber which is rarely reported with a custom-made holder. This paper proposes a technique for etching at the middle section of a fiber with a custom fiber holder. Chemical etching of a single-mode silica fiber was done with 48% hydrofluoric acid (HF). Etching proceeds until the fiber was completely etched. The optical spectrum was recorded at an interval of 3 min. Microscope visuals indicated possible etching with the mount design until ∼10 μm at 45 min with the fiber intact compared to a longer etching time. A longer etching duration than 45 min results in the optical spectrum displaying a null spectrum, depicting core damage. Etching of the fiber follows a linear trend and the reaction rate was determined to be 1.699 μm min-1 experimentally. The proposed fiber holder and receptacle were capable of etching a fiber with minimal defects while maintaining the ease of fiber handling.