An optical fiber (100) utilized as a sensor for measuring a parameter of
interest 122 such as temperature, strain, photonic energy intensity,
electric field intensity and magnetic field intensity is provided. A
first optical cladding layer (104) is disposed on an optically
transmissive core (102) that includes one or more optical gratings
(114-1). The optical grating(s) (114-1) modifies a propagation path of
selected wavelengths of light propagating through the core (102). The
optical grating(s) (114-1) also varies the index of refraction of the
first optical cladding layer (104). The selected wavelengths of light are
determined in part by the index of refraction of the core material 105 as
dependent upon a parameter of interest 122 applied to the core material
105 and as varied by the optical grating(s) (114-1). One or more
detectors (410, 430, 450, 455) are used for determining the properties of
the reflected and/or transmitted light. Knowing the properties of the
reflected and/or transmitted light, a parameter of interest 122 can be
determined.