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Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors

A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Physical Sensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2017) | Viewed by 143372

Special Issue Editors

Dr. George Rodriguez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory for Ultrafast Materials and Optical Science, Materials Physics and Applications Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
Interests: ultrafast optics and photonics; embedded fiber sensing; material dynamics; shock physics; ultrafast spectroscopy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Joseba Zubia Zaballa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Communications Engineering, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Engineering School of Bilbao, Plaza Ingeniero Torres Quevedo, 1, E-48013 Bilbao, Spain
Interests: plastic optical fiber; optical sensors; multimode fiber; photonics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Paulo Sérgio de Brito André

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Instituto de Telecomunicações, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: quantum and photonics technologies; fundamentals of telecommunication; optoelectronics; optical fibre communications
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Optical fiber gratings have become a mature technology, with a wide range of applications in various areas, including civil structures, gas and oil industries, and aerospace vehicles. This Special Issue will concentrate on all aspects of fundamental and applied research related to the Fiber Bragg Grating field. Papers centered on the design, fabrication, and experimental validation of physical, chemical, and biomedical sensors, as well as papers focusing on the results of sensor field testing in these areas, are all welcome.

This Special Issue is intended to compile novel topics and reviews of outstanding advances in the field of “Fiber Bragg Gratings”. We hope that this Special Issue will provide a useful insight of the present status and future outlook of Fiber Bragg Gratings. Topics of interests include, but are not limited to:

  • Modeling and simulation of Fiber Bragg Grating

  • Multi-parameter Fiber Bragg Grating sensors

  • Fabrication of Fiber Bragg Grating including femtosecond laser fabricated ones

  • Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors for harsh environments and materials in extremes.

  • Advances in high-speed interrogation methods.

  • Fiber Bragg Gratings in microwave photonics and signal processing.

  • Use of Fiber Bragg Gratings in materials dynamics.

  • Fiber Bragg Grating in specialty optical fibers

  • Novel FBG-based mechanical and physical sensors

  • Novel FBG-based biomedical, chemical and environmental sensors

  • Assessment of Fiber Bragg Grating in real environments

  • Specialized applications of FBGs in oil and gas industry, electric power system, aerospace missions, transport, civil structure and other areas

  • Integration and packaging of FBGs

  • Tilted fiber and microfiber-based Fiber Bragg Grating

  • Miniaturization of FBG systems suitable for on-board, in-flight, and other applications with space and weight limitations

  • Standardization efforts of FBG sensors for different industries and applications

  • Novel and low cost interrogation systems for Fiber Bragg Gratings.

  • Photosensitivity and photosensitization of optical fibers

  • Fiber Grating Band-Pass Filters and other devices

  • Fiber Grating lasers and amplifiers

  • FBG sensors in e-health

We hope that the collected papers of this Special Issue will also foster the increasing trend of interdisciplinary research that will ultimately lead to great advances in Fiber Bragg Gratings.

Dr. George Rodriguez
Prof. Dr. Joseba Zubia
Dr. Paulo S. André
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sensors is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (26 papers)

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11 pages, 4574 KiB  
Article
Multiple-Octave-Spanning Vibration Sensing Based on Simultaneous Vector Demodulation of 499 Fizeau Interference Signals from Identical Ultra-Weak Fiber Bragg Gratings Over 2.5 km
by Yi Li, Li Qian, Ciming Zhou, Dian Fan, Qiannan Xu, Yandong Pang, Xi Chen and Jianguan Tang
Sensors 2018, 18(1), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/s18010210 - 12 Jan 2018
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3951
Abstract
Multi-point vibration sensing at the low frequency range of 0.5–100 Hz is of vital importance for applications such as seismic monitoring and underwater acoustic imaging. Location-resolved multi-point sensing using a single fiber and a single demodulation system can greatly reduce system deployment and [...] Read more.
Multi-point vibration sensing at the low frequency range of 0.5–100 Hz is of vital importance for applications such as seismic monitoring and underwater acoustic imaging. Location-resolved multi-point sensing using a single fiber and a single demodulation system can greatly reduce system deployment and maintenance costs. We propose and demonstrate the demodulation of a fiber-optic system consisting of 500 identical ultra-weak Fiber Bragg gratings (uwFBGs), capable of measuring the amplitude, frequency and phase of acoustic signals from 499 sensing fibers covering a total range of 2.5 km. For demonstration purposes, we arbitrarily chose six consecutive sensors and studied their performance in detail. Using a passive demodulation method, we interrogated the six sensors simultaneously, and achieved a high signal-to-noise ratio of 22.1 dB, excellent linearity, phase sensitivity of around 0.024 rad/Pa, and a dynamic range of about 38 dB. We demonstrated a frequency response flatness of <1.2 dB in the range of 0.5–100 Hz. Compared to the prior state-of-the-art demonstration using a similar method, we have increased the sensing range from 1 km to 2.5 km, and increased the frequency range from 0.4 octaves to 7.6 octaves, in addition to achieving sensing in the very challenging low-frequency range of 0.5–100 Hz. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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2902 KiB  
Article
POFBG-Embedded Cork Insole for Plantar Pressure Monitoring
by Débora Vilarinho, Antreas Theodosiou, Cátia Leitão, Arnaldo G. Leal-Junior, Maria De Fátima Domingues, Kyriacos Kalli, Paulo André, Paulo Antunes and Carlos Marques
Sensors 2017, 17(12), 2924; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17122924 - 16 Dec 2017
Cited by 68 | Viewed by 5961
Abstract
We propose a novel polymer optical fiber (POF) sensing system based on fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) to measure foot plantar pressure. The plantar pressure signals are detected by five FBGs, in the same piece of cyclic transparent optical polymer (CYTOP) fiber, which are [...] Read more.
We propose a novel polymer optical fiber (POF) sensing system based on fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) to measure foot plantar pressure. The plantar pressure signals are detected by five FBGs, in the same piece of cyclic transparent optical polymer (CYTOP) fiber, which are embedded in a cork insole for the dynamic monitoring of gait. The calibration and measurements performed with the suggested system are presented, and the results obtained demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of the sensing platform to monitor the foot plantar pressure distribution during gait motion and the application of pressure. This architecture does not compromise the patient’s mobility nor interfere in their daily activities. The results using the CYTOP fiber showed a very good response when compared with solutions using silica optical fibers, resulting in a sensitivity almost twice as high, with excellent repeatability and ease of handling. The advantages of POF (e.g., high flexibility and robustness) proved that this is a viable solution for this type of application, since POF’s high fracture toughness enables its application in monitoring patients with higher body mass compared with similar systems based on silica fiber. This study has demonstrated the viability of the proposed system based on POF technology as a useful alternative for plantar pressure detection systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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10466 KiB  
Article
An Approach for the Dynamic Measurement of Ring Gear Strains of Planetary Gearboxes Using Fiber Bragg Gratings
by Hang Niu, Xiaodong Zhang and Chenggang Hou
Sensors 2017, 17(12), 2872; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17122872 - 16 Dec 2017
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4135
Abstract
The strain of the ring gear can reflect the dynamic characteristics of planetary gearboxes directly, which makes it an ideal signal to monitor the health condition of the gearbox. To overcome the disadvantages of traditional methods, a new approach for the dynamic measurement [...] Read more.
The strain of the ring gear can reflect the dynamic characteristics of planetary gearboxes directly, which makes it an ideal signal to monitor the health condition of the gearbox. To overcome the disadvantages of traditional methods, a new approach for the dynamic measurement of ring gear strains using fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the installation of FBGs is determined according to the analysis for the strain distribution of the ring gear. Secondly, the parameters of the FBG are determined in consideration of the accuracy and sensitivity of the measurement as well as the size of the ring gear. The strain measured by the FBG is then simulated under non-uniform strain field conditions. Thirdly, a dynamic measurement system is built and tested. Finally, the strains of the ring gear are measured in a planetary gearbox under normal and faulty conditions. The experimental results showed good agreement with the theoretical results in values, trends, and the fault features can be seen from the time domain of the measured strain signal, which proves that the proposed method is feasible for the measurement of the ring gear strains of planetary gearboxes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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3786 KiB  
Article
Verification of Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Measurement Method Based on Pulse Wave Signal Detected by FBG Sensor System
by Shintaro Kurasawa, Shouhei Koyama, Hiroaki Ishizawa, Keisaku Fujimoto and Shun Chino
Sensors 2017, 17(12), 2702; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17122702 - 23 Nov 2017
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 8009
Abstract
This paper describes and verifies a non-invasive blood glucose measurement method using a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor system. The FBG sensor is installed on the radial artery, and the strain (pulse wave) that is propagated from the heartbeat is measured. The measured [...] Read more.
This paper describes and verifies a non-invasive blood glucose measurement method using a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor system. The FBG sensor is installed on the radial artery, and the strain (pulse wave) that is propagated from the heartbeat is measured. The measured pulse wave signal was used as a collection of feature vectors for multivariate analysis aiming to determine the blood glucose level. The time axis of the pulse wave signal was normalized by two signal processing methods: the shortest-time-cut process and 1-s-normalization process. The measurement accuracy of the calculated blood glucose level was compared with the accuracy of these signal processing methods. It was impossible to calculate a blood glucose level exceeding 200 mg/dL in the calibration curve that was constructed by the shortest-time-cut process. In the 1-s-normalization process, the measurement accuracy of the blood glucose level was improved, and a blood glucose level exceeding 200 mg/dL could be calculated. By verifying the loading vector of each calibration curve to calculate the blood glucose level with a high measurement accuracy, we found the gradient of the peak of the pulse wave at the acceleration plethysmogram greatly affected. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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4286 KiB  
Article
Incorporation of Fiber Bragg Sensors for Shape Memory Polyurethanes Characterization
by Nélia Alberto, Maria A. Fonseca, Victor Neto, Rogério Nogueira, Mónica Oliveira and Rui Moreira
Sensors 2017, 17(11), 2600; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17112600 - 11 Nov 2017
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4051
Abstract
Shape memory polyurethanes (SMPUs) are thermally activated shape memory materials, which can be used as actuators or sensors in applications including aerospace, aeronautics, automobiles or the biomedical industry. The accurate characterization of the memory effect of these materials is therefore mandatory for the [...] Read more.
Shape memory polyurethanes (SMPUs) are thermally activated shape memory materials, which can be used as actuators or sensors in applications including aerospace, aeronautics, automobiles or the biomedical industry. The accurate characterization of the memory effect of these materials is therefore mandatory for the technology’s success. The shape memory characterization is normally accomplished using mechanical testing coupled with a heat source, where a detailed knowledge of the heat cycle and its influence on the material properties is paramount but difficult to monitor. In this work, fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors were embedded into SMPU samples aiming to study and characterize its shape memory effect. The samples were obtained by injection molding, and the entire processing cycle was successfully monitored, providing a process global quality signature. Moreover, the integrity and functionality of the FBG sensors were maintained during and after the embedding process, demonstrating the feasibility of the technology chosen for the purpose envisaged. The results of the shape memory effect characterization demonstrate a good correlation between the reflected FBG peak with the temperature and induced strain, proving that this technology is suitable for this particular application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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2288 KiB  
Article
Detonation Velocity Measurement with Chirped Fiber Bragg Grating
by Peng Wei, Hao Lang, Taolin Liu and Dong Xia
Sensors 2017, 17(11), 2552; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17112552 - 06 Nov 2017
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4307
Abstract
Detonation velocity is an important parameter for explosive, and it is crucial for many fields such as dynamic chemistry burn models, detonation propagation prediction, explosive performance estimation, and so on. Dual-channel detonation velocity measurement method and system are described. The CFBG sensors are [...] Read more.
Detonation velocity is an important parameter for explosive, and it is crucial for many fields such as dynamic chemistry burn models, detonation propagation prediction, explosive performance estimation, and so on. Dual-channel detonation velocity measurement method and system are described. The CFBG sensors are pasted both on the surface and in the center of the explosive cylinder. The length of CFBG sensors is measured via the hot-tip probe method. The light intensity reflected from the CFBG sensors attached to the explosive is transformed to voltage, and the voltage–time is then measured with the oscilloscope. According to the five experiments results, the relative standard uncertainty of detonation velocity is below 1%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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13175 KiB  
Article
An FBG Optical Approach to Thermal Expansion Measurements under Hydrostatic Pressure
by Priscila F. S. Rosa, Sean M. Thomas, Fedor F. Balakirev, Jon Betts, Soonbeom Seo, Eric D. Bauer, Joe D. Thompson and Marcelo Jaime
Sensors 2017, 17(11), 2543; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17112543 - 04 Nov 2017
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4168
Abstract
We report on an optical technique for measuring thermal expansion and magnetostriction at cryogenic temperatures and under applied hydrostatic pressures of 2.0 GPa. Optical fiber Bragg gratings inside a clamp-type pressure chamber are used to measure the strain in a millimeter-sized sample of [...] Read more.
We report on an optical technique for measuring thermal expansion and magnetostriction at cryogenic temperatures and under applied hydrostatic pressures of 2.0 GPa. Optical fiber Bragg gratings inside a clamp-type pressure chamber are used to measure the strain in a millimeter-sized sample of CeRhIn5. We describe the simultaneous measurement of two Bragg gratings in a single optical fiber using an optical sensing instrument capable of resolving changes in length [dL/L = (L− L0)/L0] on the order of 10−7. Our results demonstrate the possibility of performing high-resolution thermal expansion measurements under hydrostatic pressure, a capability previously hindered by the small working volumes typical of pressure cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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5709 KiB  
Article
Femtosecond FBG Written through the Coating for Sensing Applications
by Joé Habel, Tommy Boilard, Jean-Simon Frenière, François Trépanier and Martin Bernier
Sensors 2017, 17(11), 2519; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17112519 - 02 Nov 2017
Cited by 72 | Viewed by 6537
Abstract
Type I fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) written through the coating of various off-the-shelf silica fibers with a femtosecond laser and the phase-mask technique are reported. Inscription through most of the common coating compositions (acrylate, silicone and polyimide) is reported as well as writing [...] Read more.
Type I fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) written through the coating of various off-the-shelf silica fibers with a femtosecond laser and the phase-mask technique are reported. Inscription through most of the common coating compositions (acrylate, silicone and polyimide) is reported as well as writing through the polyimide coating of various fiber cladding diameters, down to 50 µm. The long term annealing behavior of type I gratings written in a pure silica core fiber is also reported as well as a comparison of the mechanical resistance of type I and II FBG. The high mechanical resistance of the resulting type I FBG is shown to be useful for the fabrication of various distributed FBG arrays written using a single period phase-mask. The strain sensing response of such distributed arrays is also presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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1812 KiB  
Article
A Code Division Design Strategy for Multiplexing Fiber Bragg Grating Sensing Networks
by Andrés Triana, Daniel Pastor and Margarita Varón
Sensors 2017, 17(11), 2508; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17112508 - 01 Nov 2017
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5065
Abstract
In this paper, an encoding strategy is used to design specialized fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. The encoding of each sensor requires two binary codewords to define the amplitude and phase patterns of each sensor. The combined pattern (amplitude and phase) makes each [...] Read more.
In this paper, an encoding strategy is used to design specialized fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. The encoding of each sensor requires two binary codewords to define the amplitude and phase patterns of each sensor. The combined pattern (amplitude and phase) makes each sensor unique and therefore two or more sensors can be identified under spectral overlapping. In this way, we add another dimension to the multiplexing of FBG sensors, obtaining an increase factor ‘n’ to enhance the number of sensors that the system can handle. A proof-of-concept scenario with three sensors was performed, including the manufacturing of the encoded sensors. Furthermore, an interrogation setup to detect the sensors central wavelength was proposed and its working principle was theoretically developed. Results show that total identification of the central wavelength is performed under spectral overlapping between the manufactured sensors, achieving a three-time improvement of the system capacity. Finally, the error due to overlapping between the sensors was assessed obtaining approximately 3 pm, which makes the approach suitable for use in real measurement systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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5856 KiB  
Article
A Laboratory Experimental Study: An FBG-PVC Tube Integrated Device for Monitoring the Slip Surface of Landslides
by Kai Wang, Shaojie Zhang, Jiang Chen, Pengxiao Teng, Fangqiang Wei and Qiao Chen
Sensors 2017, 17(11), 2486; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17112486 - 30 Oct 2017
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4645
Abstract
A new detection device was designed by integrating fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tube in order to monitor the slip surface of a landslide. Using this new FBG-based device, a corresponding slope model with a pre-set slip surface was designed, [...] Read more.
A new detection device was designed by integrating fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tube in order to monitor the slip surface of a landslide. Using this new FBG-based device, a corresponding slope model with a pre-set slip surface was designed, and seven tests with different soil properties were carried out in laboratory conditions. The FBG sensing fibers were fixed on the PVC tube to measure strain distributions of PVC tube at different elevation. Test results indicated that the PVC tube could keep deformation compatible with soil mass. The new device was able to monitor slip surface location before sliding occurrence, and the location of monitored slip surface was about 1–2 cm above the pre-set slip surface, which basically agreed with presupposition results. The monitoring results are expected to be used to pre-estimate landslide volume and provide a beneficial option for evaluating the potential impact of landslides on shipping safety in the Three Gorges area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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1657 KiB  
Article
Waveguide Bragg Gratings in Ormocer®s for Temperature Sensing
by Maiko Girschikofsky, Manuel Rosenberger, Michael Förthner, Mathias Rommel, Lothar Frey and Ralf Hellmann
Sensors 2017, 17(11), 2459; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17112459 - 26 Oct 2017
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5306
Abstract
Embedded channel waveguide Bragg gratings are fabricated in the Ormocer® hybrid polymers OrmoComp®, OrmoCore, and OrmoClad by employing a single writing step technique based on phase mask technology and KrF excimer laser irradiation. All waveguide Bragg gratings exhibit well-defined reflection [...] Read more.
Embedded channel waveguide Bragg gratings are fabricated in the Ormocer® hybrid polymers OrmoComp®, OrmoCore, and OrmoClad by employing a single writing step technique based on phase mask technology and KrF excimer laser irradiation. All waveguide Bragg gratings exhibit well-defined reflection peaks within the telecom wavelengths range with peak heights of up to 35 dB and −3 dB-bandwidths of down to 95 pm. Furthermore, the dependency of the fabricated embedded channel waveguide Bragg gratings on changes of the temperature and relative humidity are investigated. Here, we found that the Bragg grating in OrmoComp® is significantly influenced by humidity variations, while the Bragg gratings in OrmoCore and OrmoClad exhibit linear and considerably high temperature sensitivities of up to −250 pm/ ∘ C and a linear dependency on the relative humidity in the range of −9 pm/%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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2650 KiB  
Article
Low-Cost Interrogation Technique for Dynamic Measurements with FBG-Based Devices
by Camilo A. R. Díaz, Cátia Leitão, Carlos A. Marques, M. Fátima Domingues, Nélia Alberto, Maria José Pontes, Anselmo Frizera, Moisés R. N. Ribeiro, Paulo S. B. André and Paulo F. C. Antunes
Sensors 2017, 17(10), 2414; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17102414 - 23 Oct 2017
Cited by 60 | Viewed by 6231
Abstract
Fiber Bragg gratings are widely used optical fiber sensors for measuring temperature and/or mechanical strain. Nevertheless, the high cost of the interrogation systems is the most important drawback for their large commercial application. In this work, an in-line Fabry–Perot interferometer based edge filter [...] Read more.
Fiber Bragg gratings are widely used optical fiber sensors for measuring temperature and/or mechanical strain. Nevertheless, the high cost of the interrogation systems is the most important drawback for their large commercial application. In this work, an in-line Fabry–Perot interferometer based edge filter is explored in the interrogation of fiber Bragg grating dynamic measurements up to 5 kHz. Two devices an accelerometer and an arterial pulse wave probe were interrogated with the developed approach and the results were compared with a commercial interrogation monitor. The data obtained with the edge filter are in agreement with the commercial device, with a maximum RMSE of 0.05 being able to meet the requirements of the measurements. Resolutions of 3.6 pm and 2.4 pm were obtained, using the optical accelerometer and the arterial pulse wave probe, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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3019 KiB  
Article
Etched Polymer Fibre Bragg Gratings and Their Biomedical Sensing Applications
by Ginu Rajan, Kishore Bhowmik, Jiangtao Xi and Gang-Ding Peng
Sensors 2017, 17(10), 2336; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17102336 - 13 Oct 2017
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3485
Abstract
Bragg gratings in etched polymer fibres and their unique properties and characteristics are discussed in this paper. Due to the change in material and mechanical properties of the polymer fibre through etching, Bragg gratings inscribed in such fibres show high reflectivity and enhanced [...] Read more.
Bragg gratings in etched polymer fibres and their unique properties and characteristics are discussed in this paper. Due to the change in material and mechanical properties of the polymer fibre through etching, Bragg gratings inscribed in such fibres show high reflectivity and enhanced intrinsic sensitivity towards strain, temperature, and pressure. The short-term and long-term stability of the gratings and the effect of hysteresis on the dynamic characteristics are also discussed. The unique properties and enhanced intrinsic sensitivity of etched polymer fibre Bragg grating are ideal for the development of high-sensitivity sensors for biomedical applications. To demonstrate their biomedical sensing capabilities, a high-sensitivity pressure transducer that operates in the blood pressure range, and a breathing rate monitoring device are developed and presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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1660 KiB  
Article
Self-Evaluation of PANDA-FBG Based Sensing System for Dynamic Distributed Strain and Temperature Measurement
by Mengshi Zhu, Hideaki Murayama and Daichi Wada
Sensors 2017, 17(10), 2319; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17102319 - 12 Oct 2017
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4724
Abstract
A novel method is introduced in this work for effectively evaluating the performance of the PANDA type polarization-maintaining fiber Bragg grating (PANDA-FBG) distributed dynamic strain and temperature sensing system. Conventionally, the errors during the measurement are unknown or evaluated by using other sensors [...] Read more.
A novel method is introduced in this work for effectively evaluating the performance of the PANDA type polarization-maintaining fiber Bragg grating (PANDA-FBG) distributed dynamic strain and temperature sensing system. Conventionally, the errors during the measurement are unknown or evaluated by using other sensors such as strain gauge and thermocouples. This will make the sensing system complicated and decrease the efficiency since more than one kind of sensor is applied for the same measurand. In this study, we used the approximately constant ratio of primary errors in strain and temperature measurement and realized the self-evaluation of the sensing system, which can significantly enhance the applicability, as well as the reliability in strategy making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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5181 KiB  
Article
Sensitivity Enhancement in Low Cutoff Wavelength Long-Period Fiber Gratings by Cladding Diameter Reduction
by Ignacio Del Villar, Matthew Partridge, Wenceslao Eduardo Rodriguez, Omar Fuentes, Abian Bentor Socorro, Silvia Diaz, Jesus Maria Corres, Stephen Wayne James and Ralph Peter Tatam
Sensors 2017, 17(9), 2094; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17092094 - 13 Sep 2017
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5563
Abstract
The diameter of long-period fiber gratings (LPFGs) fabricated in optical fibers with a low cutoff wavelength was be reduced by hydrofluoric acid etching, enhancing the sensitivity to refractive index by more than a factor of 3, to 2611 nm/refractive index unit in the [...] Read more.
The diameter of long-period fiber gratings (LPFGs) fabricated in optical fibers with a low cutoff wavelength was be reduced by hydrofluoric acid etching, enhancing the sensitivity to refractive index by more than a factor of 3, to 2611 nm/refractive index unit in the range from 1.333 to 1.4278. The grating period selected for the LPFGs allowed access to the dispersion turning point at wavelengths close to the visible range of the optical spectrum, where optical equipment is less expensive. As an example of an application, a pH sensor based on the deposition of a polymeric coating was analyzed in two situations: with an LPFG without diameter reduction and with an LPFG with diameter reduction. Again, a sensitivity increase of a factor of near 3 was obtained, demonstrating the ability of this method to enhance the sensitivity of thin-film-coated LPFG chemical sensors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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2061 KiB  
Article
UV-Writing of a Superstructure Waveguide Bragg Grating in a Planar Polymer Substrate
by Manuel Rosenberger, Bernhard Schmauss and Ralf Hellmann
Sensors 2017, 17(9), 1964; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17091964 - 25 Aug 2017
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4837
Abstract
We report on the fabrication of a superstructure Bragg grating in a planar polymer substrate. Based on a twofold illumination process an integrated waveguide and a superstructure Bragg grating are subsequently written into bulk polymethylmethacrylate by UV-induced refractive index modification. The measured reflected [...] Read more.
We report on the fabrication of a superstructure Bragg grating in a planar polymer substrate. Based on a twofold illumination process an integrated waveguide and a superstructure Bragg grating are subsequently written into bulk polymethylmethacrylate by UV-induced refractive index modification. The measured reflected spectrum of the superstructure Bragg grating exhibits multiple reflection peaks and is in good agreement with performed standard simulations based on the beam propagation method and coupled mode theory algorithms. By applying a varying tensile load we determine the strain sensitivity to be about 1.10 pm/µε and demonstrate the applicability of the superstructure Bragg grating for strain measurements with redundant sensing signals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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8275 KiB  
Article
Crack Monitoring of Operational Wind Turbine Foundations
by Marcus Perry, Jack McAlorum, Grzegorz Fusiek, Pawel Niewczas, Iain McKeeman and Tim Rubert
Sensors 2017, 17(8), 1925; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17081925 - 21 Aug 2017
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 8458
Abstract
The degradation of onshore, reinforced-concrete wind turbine foundations is usually assessed via above-ground inspections, or through lengthy excavation campaigns that suspend wind power generation. Foundation cracks can and do occur below ground level, and while sustained measurements of crack behaviour could be used [...] Read more.
The degradation of onshore, reinforced-concrete wind turbine foundations is usually assessed via above-ground inspections, or through lengthy excavation campaigns that suspend wind power generation. Foundation cracks can and do occur below ground level, and while sustained measurements of crack behaviour could be used to quantify the risk of water ingress and reinforcement corrosion, these cracks have not yet been monitored during turbine operation. Here, we outline the design, fabrication and field installation of subterranean fibre-optic sensors for monitoring the opening and lateral displacements of foundation cracks during wind turbine operation. We detail methods for in situ sensor characterisation, verify sensor responses against theoretical tower strains derived from wind speed data, and then show that measured crack displacements correlate with monitored tower strains. Our results show that foundation crack opening displacements respond linearly to tower strain and do not change by more than ±5 μ m. Lateral crack displacements were found to be negligible. We anticipate that the work outlined here will provide a starting point for real-time, long-term and dynamic analyses of crack displacements in future. Our findings could furthermore inform the development of cost-effective monitoring systems for ageing wind turbine foundations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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3284 KiB  
Article
Load Identification for a Cantilever Beam Based on Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors
by Xuegang Song, Yuexin Zhang and Dakai Liang
Sensors 2017, 17(8), 1733; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17081733 - 28 Jul 2017
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4000
Abstract
Load identification plays an important role in structural health monitoring, which aims at preventing structural failures. In order to identify load for linear systems and nonlinear systems, this paper presents methods to identify load for a cantilever beam based on dynamic strain measurement [...] Read more.
Load identification plays an important role in structural health monitoring, which aims at preventing structural failures. In order to identify load for linear systems and nonlinear systems, this paper presents methods to identify load for a cantilever beam based on dynamic strain measurement by Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors. For linear systems, the proposed inverse method consists of Kalman filter with no load terms and a linear estimator. For nonlinear systems, the proposed inverse method consists of cubature Kalman filter (CKF) with no load terms and a nonlinear estimator. In the process of load identification, the state equations of the beam structures are constructed by using the finite element method (FEM). Kalman filter or CKF is used to suppress noise. The residual innovation sequences, gain matrix, and innovation covariance generated by Kalman filter or CKF are used to identify a load. To prove the effectiveness of the proposed method, numerical simulations and experiments of the beam structures are employed and the results show that the method has an excellent performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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7400 KiB  
Article
Ultra-Weak Fiber Bragg Grating Sensing Network Coated with Sensitive Material for Multi-Parameter Measurements
by Wei Bai, Minghong Yang, Chenyuan Hu, Jixiang Dai, Xuexiang Zhong, Shuai Huang and Gaopeng Wang
Sensors 2017, 17(7), 1509; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17071509 - 26 Jun 2017
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4908
Abstract
A multi-parameter measurement system based on ultra-weak fiber Bragg grating (UFBG) array with sensitive material was proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The UFBG array interrogation principle is time division multiplex technology with two semiconductor optical amplifiers as timing units. Experimental results showed that the [...] Read more.
A multi-parameter measurement system based on ultra-weak fiber Bragg grating (UFBG) array with sensitive material was proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The UFBG array interrogation principle is time division multiplex technology with two semiconductor optical amplifiers as timing units. Experimental results showed that the performance of the proposed UFBG system is almost equal to that of traditional FBG, while the UFBG array system has obvious superiority with potential multiplexing ability for multi-point and multi-parameter measurement. The system experimented on a 144 UFBG array with the reflectivity of UFBG ~0.04% for the four target parameters: hydrogen, humidity, temperature and salinity. Moreover, a uniform solution was customized to divide the cross-sensitivity between temperature and other target parameters. It is expected that this scheme will be capable of handling thousands of multi-parameter sensors in a single fiber. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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5529 KiB  
Article
Performance Optimization Design for a High-Speed Weak FBG Interrogation System Based on DFB Laser
by Yiqiang Yao, Zhengying Li, Yiming Wang, Siqi Liu, Yutang Dai, Jianmin Gong and Lixin Wang
Sensors 2017, 17(7), 1472; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17071472 - 22 Jun 2017
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4620
Abstract
A performance optimization design for a high-speed fiber Bragg grating (FBG) interrogation system based on a high-speed distributed feedback (DFB) swept laser is proposed. A time-division-multiplexing sensor network with identical weak FBGs is constituted to realize high-capacity sensing. In order to further improve [...] Read more.
A performance optimization design for a high-speed fiber Bragg grating (FBG) interrogation system based on a high-speed distributed feedback (DFB) swept laser is proposed. A time-division-multiplexing sensor network with identical weak FBGs is constituted to realize high-capacity sensing. In order to further improve the multiplexing capacity, a waveform repairing algorithm is designed to extend the dynamic demodulation range of FBG sensors. It is based on the fact that the spectrum of an FBG keeps stable over a long period of time. Compared with the pre-collected spectra, the distorted spectra waveform are identified and repaired. Experimental results show that all the identical weak FBGs are distinguished and demodulated at the speed of 100 kHz with a linearity of above 0.99, and the range of dynamic demodulation is extended by 40%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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3704 KiB  
Article
Corrugated-Diaphragm Based Fiber Laser Hydrophone with Sub-100 μPa/Hz1/2 Resolution
by Wen-Zhao Yang, Long Jin, Yi-Zhi Liang, Jun Ma and Bai-Ou Guan
Sensors 2017, 17(6), 1219; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17061219 - 26 May 2017
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6589
Abstract
In this work, a beat-frequency encoded fiber laser hydrophone is developed for high-resolution acoustic detection by using an elastic corrugated diaphragm. The diaphragm is center-supported by the fiber. Incident acoustic waves deform the diaphragm and induce a concentrated lateral load on the laser [...] Read more.
In this work, a beat-frequency encoded fiber laser hydrophone is developed for high-resolution acoustic detection by using an elastic corrugated diaphragm. The diaphragm is center-supported by the fiber. Incident acoustic waves deform the diaphragm and induce a concentrated lateral load on the laser cavity. The acoustically induced perturbation changes local optical phases and frequency-modulates the radio-frequency beat signal between two orthogonal lasing modes of the cavity. Theoretical analysis reveals that a higher corrugation-depth/thickness ratio or larger diaphragm area can provide higher transduction efficiency. The experimentally achieved average sensitivity in beat-frequency variation is 185.7 kHz/Pa over a bandwidth of 1 kHz. The detection capability can be enhanced by shortening the cavity length to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio. The minimum detectable acoustic pressure reaches 74 µPa/Hz1/2 at 1 kHz, which is comparable to the zeroth order sea noise. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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3685 KiB  
Article
A New Measurement Approach for Small Deformations of Soil Specimens Using Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors
by Dong-Sheng Xu
Sensors 2017, 17(5), 1016; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17051016 - 04 May 2017
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4720
Abstract
A measurement approach for small deformations of soil specimens has been proposed in this study. The proposed approach consists of a small deformation transducer (SDT) based on fiber Bragg grating sensors which could provide an alternative tool to measure local small deformations of [...] Read more.
A measurement approach for small deformations of soil specimens has been proposed in this study. The proposed approach consists of a small deformation transducer (SDT) based on fiber Bragg grating sensors which could provide an alternative tool to measure local small deformations of a soil specimen with high accuracy. The working principle, design procedures, calibrations and applications of the SDT are presented. An analytical solution is derived to obtain the relationship between the small deformation of the transducer and the wavelength shift of the FBG sensor, which was further evident in the laboratory calibration tests. The measurement range and resolution of the SDT can be adjusted by choosing different length and thickness of the material. The SDT can achieve a strain resolution of 4.45 micro-strains for a soil specimen with 80 mm in height. Measurement errors and stability were also examined and the results show that the maximum measurement error was around 0.01 mm. The designed SDT was further installed in a modified triaxial apparatus. Three shearing tests under different confining pressures were conducted. Results measured by the newly developed SDT are analyzed with comparisons to the results using external linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) transducers. The results provide evidence that this measurement approach is suitable for measuring the local deformations of soil specimens with high accuracy and stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

15343 KiB  
Review
Extreme Environment Sensing Using Femtosecond Laser-Inscribed Fiber Bragg Gratings
by Stephen J. Mihailov, Dan Grobnic, Cyril Hnatovsky, Robert B. Walker, Ping Lu, David Coulas and Huimin Ding
Sensors 2017, 17(12), 2909; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17122909 - 14 Dec 2017
Cited by 99 | Viewed by 7747
Abstract
The femtosecond laser-induced fiber Bragg grating is an effective sensor technology that can be deployed in harsh environments. Depending on the optical fiber chosen and the inscription parameters that are used, devices suitable for high temperature, pressure, ionizing radiation and strain sensor applications [...] Read more.
The femtosecond laser-induced fiber Bragg grating is an effective sensor technology that can be deployed in harsh environments. Depending on the optical fiber chosen and the inscription parameters that are used, devices suitable for high temperature, pressure, ionizing radiation and strain sensor applications are possible. Such devices are appropriate for aerospace or energy production applications where there is a need for components, instrumentation and controls that can function in harsh environments. This paper will present a review of some of the more recent developments in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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6471 KiB  
Review
Fiber Bragg Grating Dilatometry in Extreme Magnetic Field and Cryogenic Conditions
by Marcelo Jaime, Carolina Corvalán Moya, Franziska Weickert, Vivien Zapf, Fedor F. Balakirev, Mark Wartenbe, Priscila F. S. Rosa, Jonathan B. Betts, George Rodriguez, Scott A. Crooker and Ramzy Daou
Sensors 2017, 17(11), 2572; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17112572 - 08 Nov 2017
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6148
Abstract
In this work, we review single mode SiO2 fiber Bragg grating techniques for dilatometry studies of small single-crystalline samples in the extreme environments of very high, continuous, and pulsed magnetic fields of up to 150 T and at cryogenic temperatures down to [...] Read more.
In this work, we review single mode SiO2 fiber Bragg grating techniques for dilatometry studies of small single-crystalline samples in the extreme environments of very high, continuous, and pulsed magnetic fields of up to 150 T and at cryogenic temperatures down to <1 K. Distinct millimeter-long materials are measured as part of the technique development, including metallic, insulating, and radioactive compounds. Experimental strategies are discussed for the observation and analysis of the related thermal expansion and magnetostriction of materials, which can achieve a strain sensitivity (ΔL/L) as low as a few parts in one hundred million (≈10−8). The impact of experimental artifacts, such as those originating in the temperature dependence of the fiber’s index of diffraction, light polarization rotation in magnetic fields, and reduced strain transfer from millimeter-long specimens, is analyzed quantitatively using analytic models available in the literature. We compare the experimental results with model predictions in the small-sample limit, and discuss the uncovered discrepancies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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6525 KiB  
Review
Review and Analysis of Peak Tracking Techniques for Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors
by Daniele Tosi
Sensors 2017, 17(10), 2368; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17102368 - 17 Oct 2017
Cited by 200 | Viewed by 9956
Abstract
Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors are among the most popular elements for fiber optic sensor networks used for the direct measurement of temperature and strain. Modern FBG interrogation setups measure the FBG spectrum in real-time, and determine the shift of the Bragg wavelength [...] Read more.
Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors are among the most popular elements for fiber optic sensor networks used for the direct measurement of temperature and strain. Modern FBG interrogation setups measure the FBG spectrum in real-time, and determine the shift of the Bragg wavelength of the FBG in order to estimate the physical parameters. The problem of determining the peak wavelength of the FBG from a spectral measurement limited in resolution and noise, is referred as the peak-tracking problem. In this work, the several peak-tracking approaches are reviewed and classified, outlining their algorithmic implementations: the methods based on direct estimation, interpolation, correlation, resampling, transforms, and optimization are discussed in all their proposed implementations. Then, a simulation based on coupled-mode theory compares the performance of the main peak-tracking methods, in terms of accuracy and signal to noise ratio resilience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

2289 KiB  
Letter
High-Order Modes Micro-Knot Excited by a Long-Period Fiber Grating
by Shir Shahal, Hamootal Duadi and Moti Fridman
Sensors 2017, 17(11), 2490; https://doi.org/10.3390/s17112490 - 30 Oct 2017
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3662
Abstract
We suggest a fiber micro-knot fabricated on a long-period fiber grating. The long-period fiber grating excites high-order modes into the micro-knot and transfers the output back to the Gaussian mode. We show theoretically and experimentally that these micro-knots have an improved Q-factor, higher [...] Read more.
We suggest a fiber micro-knot fabricated on a long-period fiber grating. The long-period fiber grating excites high-order modes into the micro-knot and transfers the output back to the Gaussian mode. We show theoretically and experimentally that these micro-knots have an improved Q-factor, higher stability, and have an increased evanescence wave coupling to the environment than single mode fiber micro-knots. These high-order fiber micro-knots can be beneficial for various fiber detectors and optical data processing systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Bragg Grating Based Sensors)
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