A kind of intensity modulated fiber sensor utilizing axial offset parameter is proposed. The theoretical analysis and experimental characteristics of this sensor are described. All the theoretical results derived in this thesis are based on assuming a uniform power distribution in the fibers. An expression of coupling efficiency of central dipped parabolic graded index fibers due to axial offset is derived. The results show less sensitivity to axial offset for the central dipped fibers than for the parabolic profile fibers without a dip. Expressions of coupling efficiency of graded index fibers due to axial offset for several different values of a are also derived. The results show that sensitivity increases as the value of a decreases. A general expression of coupling efficiency which is valid for small values of axial offset is derived. This expression exhibits a linear relationship between coupling efficiency and small axial offset. Coupling efficiencies versus fiber end separation and axial offset of step index fibers have been measured. The measurements show that coupling efficiency is much more sensitive to axial offset than end separation. A simple construction of the axial offset fiber sensor is described. An approximate linear relationship between the output power and the mechanical loading has been obtained for this sensor. Several ways of increasing the sensitivity of this sensor are discussed.

M.S.