The advanced photonic science institute (APSI) research group at the Faculty of Science of the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

The field of fiber optics involves the study and use of optical fibers in a variety of applications such as in communication, sensing and lighting. Devices utilizing optical fibers are being developed for different applications, and together with optoelectronic devices such as optical transmitters and optical detectors, fiber optic systems are benefited in telecommunication, environmental monitoring, aviation and aerospace applications, automobile industries, exterior and interior lighting and medical instrumentation.

The research interests of the group include the design and development of fiber optic sensors and probes as well as related instrumentation. Photometric studies in LED and solar energy applications are also of interest including the use of LED and optical fiber for lighting purposes. Spectral studies of natural phenomena are pursued using miniaturized fiber optic system developed using different techniques including laser welding.

Current Research Project are:

1. A FO temperature sensor has been studied for use in an alarm system. The study indicates that the sensor is capable of triggering an alarm when a temperature of 80oC is reached. Future investigation on miniaturizing the probe will be undertaken.

2.  Various types of optical fibers with core diameters 25 mm, 10 mm and 10 mm fiber bundle have been investigated for use in street lighting. Projector coupling efficiency of 36% is obtained for the 10 mm core fiber. Further investigation is underway to improve the system (coupling efficiency) to obtain the desired specification of an average illuminance of around 20 lux.

3. An FBG interrogating unit for use in sensing purposes has been constructed and its performance test results show its possible use in a fibre optic strain-sensing system.

4. A double-ball module for a laser diode-to-fiber coupling scheme has been modeled & constructed with an efficient coupling of 75% for low divergence ratio laser diode. The module is very effective in mode-matching the elliptical mode of the laser diode with the circular mode of a single mode fibre

More information:

Prof Dr Rosly Abdul Rahman

Advanced photonic science institute (APSI) research group

Faculty of Science

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

rar@dfiz2.fs.utm.my