High Energy Physics Applications on Fiber Optic Sensors in Relative Humidity

Abstract

Our multidisciplinary research group has been conducting studies in recent years on the use of fiber grating-based sensors for relative humidity measurement in the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) instrument at CERN in Geneva. In order to monitor low relative humidity (RH) values even in cold temperatures, our multidisciplinary research group has been working to develop near-field fibre optic sensors based on tin dioxide particle layers, in light of the extensive research conducted in the past few years to evaluate the radiation hardness capability of fibre optic technology in high-energy physics settings. Compared to other sensor types, optical fiber sensors provide several advantages. These benefits mostly stem from the characteristics of optical fibers, which include their tiny size, inexpensive, electromagnetic passivity, resistance to high pressure, and resistance to high temperatures. Sensing is the process of measuring variables like temperatures, stress, or angular velocity by examining the characteristics of light. To evaluate the sensors' performance under the circumstances needed for CERN experiments, untried tests in the [0-65] %RH range at various temperatures were conducted. There were other campaigns of progressive irradiation using γ-ionizing radiations. The results obtained show that the suggested technologies have great potential for usage in High Energy Physics (HEP) activities as a reliable and acceptable replacement for commercial hygrometers in the future.