All-silica fiber-tip microcavity pressure sensor for extreme environments
A novel all-silica fiber-tip microcavity sensor offering high sensitivity for pressure and temperature up to 600°C and tens of MPa. Compact and durable, it provides a low-cost solution for high-risk industrial applications.
Overview
The all-silica fiber-tip microcavity sensor is a groundbreaking innovation designed for accurate pressure and temperature sensing in extreme environments. Utilizing a simple and efficient fabrication process involving a fusion splicer and pressurizing gas chamber, this sensor overcomes the complexities of traditional methods. Its compact size, robustness, and high sensitivity make it ideal for industrial applications, particularly in high-risk environments involving refractory castables.
Technical specifications
- Material: Pure silica structure
- Size: Compact design less than 1 mm
- Sensitivity: Capable of kPa-level pressure sensitivity
- Temperature and Pressure Tolerance: Operates effectively up to 600°C and tens of MPa
- Fabrication Process: Involves splicing a silica capillary to a single-mode fiber and forming a microsphere with an internal air cavity
- Design Benefits: Avoids the need for careful cleaving, chemical etching, and bonding
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 4, having demonstrated individual performance for pressure up to 40 MPa and temperature up to 600°C in a laboratory setting. Further development and validation are ongoing, with plans to enhance structure optimization and encapsulation for practical deployment.
About Jinan University
Jinan University is a comprehensive public research university based in Guangzhou, serving a large, internationally oriented community and operating multiple campuses across the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. Industry engagement is embedded through enterprise‑cofunded laboratories, clinical research platforms integrated with affiliated hospitals, and contract research and testing services. Its position within a dense innovation and supply‑chain ecosystem enables rapid prototyping, pilot production, and collaboration across Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Hong Kong. Research is supported by competitive national and provincial programs in China alongside industry‑sponsored projects. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup incubation with support from local high‑tech zones.
delivered to your inbox.