In order to enhance the accuracy of three-component seismic acceleration detection, a novel three-component micro-optoelectronic mechanical systems (MOEMS) accelerometer based on photoelastic effect has been designed. The mechanical properties of sensitive unit under three-component acceleration are analyzed theoretically and a Finite Element Analysis (FEM) simulation is performed simultaneously. Meanwhile, a Mach-Zehnder (M-Z) interferometer which is based on photoelastic effect had been designed and a Beam Propagation Method (BPM) simulation has been processed as well, experimental results indicated that the sensor had a high sensitivity, wide frequency response range and a good linearity in the range of seismic band. © 2010 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.