An optical fiber sensor (100) can be used to measure pressure with high sensitivity and fine resolution. As a (108) at the end of the sensor expands or contracts, the spectrum of a beam reflected from the end of fiber shifts, producing a change linked to pressure exerted on the sensor. Novel aspects of the present inventive sensor include the direct bonding of a silica thin film diaphragm (110) to the optical fiber with localized or confined heating and a uniform thickness of the diaphragm. The resulting sensor has a diameter that matches the diameter of the optical fiber. Because the sensor is all silica, it does not from temperature-induced error. In addition, the sensor can be very sensitive because the diaphragm can be very thin it can also make highly repeatable measurements due to its very uniform thickness.
