System and method for measuring forces

A measuring device, comprising at least one optical transducer for detecting forces acting on the transducer, wherein the transducer includes:

• an optical fiber adapted to transmit optical signals therethrough, the optical fiber including sensing means adapted to modify the transmission of the optical signals through the optical path as a result of a force acting on the sensing means;
• wherein the sensing means includes:
• polarization scrambling means adapted to modify the polarization of optical signals entering the optical path;
• and
• polarizing means adapted to emit optical signals of a predefined polarization.

A measuring system for measuring forces, comprising a measuring device, with at least one optical transducer for detecting forces acting on the transducer, wherein the transducer includes:

• an optical fiber adapted to transmit optical signals therethrough, the optical fiber including sensing means adapted to modify the transmission of the optical signals through the optical path as a result of a force acting on the sensing means;
• at least one optical signal emitting device for introducing optical signals into the optical fiber;
• and
• at least one optical signal receiving device receiving optical signals exiting the optical fiber, respectively, the receiving device being further operative to convert optical signals into electrical signals
• wherein the sensing means includes:
• polarization scrambling means adapted to modify the polarization of optical signals entering the optical path;
• and
• polarizing means adapted to emit optical signals of a predefined polarization.

A method for detecting forces, comprising:

• introducing optical signals into an optical path, wherein the optical path includes polarization scrambling means;
• modifying the polarization of optical signals entering the optical path as a result of a force on the polarization scrambling means;
• introducing the optical signals into a polarizing means;
• and
• emitting optical signals of a predefined polarization.