Cryogenic liquid level sensing requires a more comprehensive method because traditional one-dimensional systems do not provide sufficient data on the distribution of liquids, particularly in complex environments such as microgravity. In contexts like space missions, where liquids can behave unpredictably due to high-g or micro-g conditions, effective monitoring becomes challenging. A multi-dimensional approach helps in accurately assessing liquid levels and distribution under such environments .

Cryogenic temperatures add complexity to liquid level sensing by affecting material properties such as thermal contraction and introducing condensation or frost that can interfere with sensor mechanisms. Traditional sensors may struggle with these challenges due to their mechanical or electronic components' sensitivity to extreme cold. Fiber optic methods address this complexity through non-contact measurement, ensuring greater reliability as they are less affected by temperature-induced mechanical changes, thus providing accurate measurements without mechanical wear or risk of frost interference .

Fiber optic sensors utilizing non-Gaussian beams, such as the zeroth-order Bessel-Gauss (BG) and radially polarized Bessel-Gauss (RPBG) beams, offer significant advantages over those using solely Gaussian beams. They provide higher sensitivity and better resolution when detecting cryogenic liquid levels. For instance, with RPBG beams, the sensor achieves a sensitivity of up to 18458.8 dB/RIU, which is 3.8 times more sensitive than sensors based on Gaussian beams . This improved performance is crucial for precise level measurements in challenging environments like those with cryogenic temperatures .

Measuring liquid levels in microgravity presents challenges because traditional methods often rely on pressure-based measurements that require gravity to function properly. In microgravity, the distribution of liquid within a tank does not conform to typical expectation, which results in inaccurate pressure readings. Additionally, liquids can form bubbles or distribute unevenly within the tank, making it harder to discern the actual level using one-dimensional monitoring. These factors necessitate more sophisticated sensor technologies capable of accurate multi-dimensional assessment .

Multimode interference and wave theory are critical in the novel sensor's effectiveness as they allow for the precise manipulation and propagation of light through fiber optics, enhancing the sensor's sensitivity and resolution. These principles enable the efficient interaction of light beams (Gaussian and non-Gaussian) within the sensor structure, facilitating accurate detection of changes in refractive index and, consequently, liquid levels at cryogenic temperatures. The wave-based approach significantly improves the sensor's performance compared to traditional methods reliant on simpler geometrical optics .

Traditional electric-based liquid level sensors often involve high costs, sluggish response times, and can pose explosion risks, especially in cryogenic applications. They are less suitable for environments where stringent conditions demand rapid and safe measurements. In contrast, optical fiber-based sensors offer advantages in such contexts with lower risk of sparking, faster response times due to direct optical measurement mechanisms, and greater adaptability to challenging conditions like extreme cold or high-pressure environments. This makes optical fiber sensors more applicable and efficient for cryogenic applications, offering better performance and safety .

Electrical devices for measuring liquid levels can be limited by the risk of electric sparks, which poses explosion hazards, especially in environments with conductive liquids or potential for explosions. Their effectiveness is also restricted by high cost, sluggish response time, and substantial weight, making them less suitable for aircraft applications . Optical fiber-based sensors overcome these challenges as they are not susceptible to sparks and can operate effectively in explosive or conductive liquid environments, providing a safer and more reliable solution .

The novel sensor improves upon previous methods by utilizing a wave theory-based analytical model that can accurately detect liquid levels using Gaussian, zeroth-order Bessel-Gauss (BG), and radially polarized Bessel-Gauss (RPBG) beams. The RPBG beam demonstrates a sensitivity of 4.517 dB/°K, 18458.8 dB/RIU, 9.759 dB/cm, and 0.176 dB/nm with a resolution of 5.5 × 10−7 RIU, which is 3.8 times more sensitive than existing ray theory-based methods using Gaussian beams . Additionally, the ease of fabrication and enhanced performance makes it suitable for high-performance fiber optic-level sensors in various environments, including cryogenic conditions .

The study validates the use of the RPBG beam by comparing the theoretical model's performance using the RPBG beam against previously reported experimental data, confirming its high sensitivity and resolution. The RPBG beam achieves 3.8 times the sensitivity of traditional models using Gaussian beams . This validation implies that future sensor designs can incorporate RPBG beams to enhance performance, supporting advancements in high-accuracy, high-resolution fiber optic sensors for cryogenic and other challenging environments .

The proposed fiber optic cryogenic liquid level sensor is highly suitable for high-performance applications under challenging conditions due to its use of wave theory and multiple beam types (Gaussian, BG, RPBG). It allows for high sensitivity (4.517 dB/°K, 18458.8 dB/RIU) and excellent resolution (5.5 × 10−7 RIU), enabling accurate detection of liquid levels even in harsh environments like cryogenic temperatures and microgravity. The sensor's ability to operate effectively with various input sources and ease of fabrication further enhance its versatility for complex applications, including aerospace and industrial liquid monitoring .