Transfer function asymmetry in Fabry-Pérot based optical pressure sensors

Abstract: Optical resonators are one of the most promising optical devices for manufacturing high-performance pressure sensors for photoacoustic imaging. Among these, Fabry-P\'erot (FP) based pressure sensors have been successfully used for a multitude of applications. However, critical performance aspects of FP based pressure sensors have not been extensively studied, including the effects system parameters such as beam diameter and cavity misalignment have on transfer function shape. Here, we discuss the possible origins of the transfer function asymmetry, the impact it has on measurement sensitivity as well as ways to correctly estimate the FP pressure sensitivity under practical experimental conditions.