Abstract: A fiber optic sensor array includes a row of transmitting optical fibers, with a column of detecting optical fibers overlapping the transmitting fibers. A planar compliant spacer separates the transmitting fibers from the detecting fibers, so that a sensor element is defined at each location where a detecting fiber overlaps a transmitting fiber. The surfaces of each transmitting fiber and each receiving fiber are modified at the location of each sensor element to increase the optical coupling between the transmitting fiber and the receiving fiber at that element. The spacer in the array includes an opening between the transmitting fiber and the detecting fiber at the location of each sensor element. A support surface is affixed to the detecting fibers opposite the compliant spacer and a protective cover layer is affixed to the transmitting fibers opposite the compliant spacer.