A fiber optical accelerometer comprising a base structure, a first seismic mass movably coupled to the base structure through a first hinge element, a second seismic mass movably coupled to the base structure through a second hinge element, an optical fiber coupled to the first and second seismic masses at first and second attachment joints, respectively, to subject the optical fiber to varying strain by displacement of the first and second seismic masses about the first and second hinge structures, respectively.